Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on patients with chronic pain in Germany: Associations with expectations and control beliefs

Abstract

Background While the COVID‐19 pandemic is affecting people's well‐being worldwide, it may place a particularly high burden on people with chronic pain, as pain is known to be influenced by societal and psychological conditions. Methods In this observational study, we conducted telephone interviews with 196 patients with chronic pain to assess the impact of the pandemic on various aspects of their pain and everyday life. The initial interviews were conducted between April and May 2020 and were followed up by a second interview between August and December 2020. Results A substantial percentage of patients (39% at the first and 32% at the second interview) reported an increase in pain intensity due to the pandemic. Exploratory analyses revealed that patients who already suffered from greater pain and who experienced greater restrictions due to the pandemic were more likely to express a pain worsening. Psychological factors such as negative expectations about the development of their pain and pain treatment and a high external locus of control were also associated with increases in pain. Conclusions These findings illustrate the complexity of chronic pain, suggesting that not only the impact of the pandemic on various areas of life but also the severity of the pain‐symptoms themselves and psychological factors influence the course of patients’ symptoms during the pandemic.

Needs and Demands for eHealth Pain Management Interventions in Chronic Pain Patients

“…In line with previous reports by Müßgens et al [4], we observed that approximately half of those suffering from chronic pain experienced either symptom aggravation or no improvement in their pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. An improvement in symptoms during this period was rather the exception.…”

“…In total, 3 Mean. 4 Standard deviation. 5 For the sake of simplicity, the two VR-12 subgroups, MCS and PCS, have been summarized in a VR-12 total mean score.…”

“…On the other hand, access to many pain management facilities was restricted by social distancing and COVID-19-related policies [2]. A study conducting interviews with chronic pain patients in Germany found that about one third of patients experienced a worsening of their chronic pain due to the pandemic [4]. To provide options for treating patients with chronic pain while adhering to social distancing, eHealth pain management interventions can offer a good supplement to face-to-face therapy [2,3,5].…”

Pandemic impact and adaptation to telehealth in chronic pain treatment providers across two COVID‐19 pandemic years

“…In those with chronic pain, the evidence suggests similar disruptions with decreased access to care, 11,12 adverse impacts to both physical and mental health, 13 and increased pain‐related interference and pain anxiety 14–17 . Wait times for appointments and procedures were increased, in some cases indefinitely 18 .…”

“…and increased pain-related interference and pain anxiety. [14][15][16][17] Wait times for appointments and procedures were increased, in some cases indefinitely. 18 Finally, for some with chronic pain, the pandemic and its consequent changes to healthcare resulted in challenges to prescription access.…”