Optimization of a Self-management Program for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain – Protocol of the Pain Education Program Optimization (PEPO) Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to compare two modes of delivering an 8-week self-management program for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain: standard self-management versus supported self-management, which includes two physiotherapist-led sessions and one patient-partner-led session. The primary outcome measure is pain-related disability after 10 weeks. Secondary objectives include comparing the effects of both delivery modes on pain-related disability after 26 weeks, as well as on pain severity, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression after 10 and 26 weeks.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial protocol.

METHODS: One hundred eight adults with chronic MSK pain will be recruited and evaluated at baseline and after 10 and 26 weeks. At each evaluation, primary (pain-related disability) and secondary (pain severity, kinesiophobia, catastrophization, pain self-efficacy, anxiety, satisfaction, and depression) outcomes will be assessed. After baseline, participants will be randomly assigned to (1) self-management group and (2) supported self-management group. In addition to the 8-week self-management program, participants in the supported self-management group will have two additional 30-minute counselling sessions with a physiotherapist and one 60-minute group session led by a peer living with chronic MSK pain. Linear mixed models will be used to compare the effects of the two delivery modes of the intervention on the outcomes.