Pilot Feasibility Study of a Brief, Tailored Mobile Health Intervention for Depression among Patients with Chronic Pain

Abstract

This pilot feasibility study investigated a brief, tailored mobile health intervention to provide brief treatment and motivate further depression treatment seeking among patients with comorbid chronic pain. The computer tablet intervention was delivered in a hospital clinic using a blended motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy approach. Individuals were at least age 18, and screened positive for depression during a visit for chronic pain. Participants completed assessments before the intervention and at two-week follow-up. The 64 participants were most often over 50 years old, female, and Caucasian. Participant ratings demonstrated an increase in interest to seek depression treatment and willingness to make life changes to mitigate symptoms. A significant reduction in mean depression score and non-significant reductions on both measures of disability were observed. This intervention was feasible and acceptable, demonstrated promise in reducing depression and increasing treatment interest, and should be tested in a trial.

Microinterventions produce immediate but not lasting benefits in mood and distress

“…The current study contributes to the emerging literature on microinterventions ( Ahmedani et al, 2015 , Ayers et al, 2015 , Bunge et al, 2016 , Lokman et al, 2017 ), and offers encouraging data to support continued research on such interventions. Internet microinterventions may offer quick, effective means of improving mood and reducing distress.…”

User Acceptance of Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression: Systematic Review

“…As shown here, results were primarily reported descriptively (eg, by reference to rated statements or responses to questions in a qualitative dimension) irrespective of whether the study type was quantitative or qualitative. According to the levels adapted by the author, eight studies (28%) reported a very high level of acceptance [ 23 , 26 , 36 , 43 , 45 , 47 - 49 ], 17 studies (59%) indicated a high level of acceptance [ 12 , 24 , 25 , 29 - 35 , 38 , 40 - 42 , 44 , 46 , 50 ], and one study (3%) showed a moderate level of acceptance [ 27 ]. No study showed a low level of user acceptance.…”

“…The results of the studies provide a good overview of the user acceptance of cCBT for depression; however, they differ considerably in design, including sample characteristics, program features, and the condition under which treatment was offered. For example, four studies gave information on the user acceptance of cCBT reporting only on those participants who completed the treatment [ 29 , 32 , 33 , 50 ], whereas 18 studies analyzed data on user acceptance of cCBT also from noncompleters [ 12 , 24 , 26 - 28 , 30 , 31 , 34 , 35 , 37 - 40 , 43 , 44 , 47 - 49 ]. Seven studies did not provide any information as to whether completers or noncompleters or both had been included in analyses regarding the user acceptance of cCBT [ 23 , 25 , 36 , 41 , 42 , 45 , 46 ].…”

Technology-delivered adaptations of motivational interviewing for health-related behaviors: A systematic review of the current research

“…These researchers also recruited a range of populations (e.g., women who were overdue for a mammogram [57]; overweight adults [58] and adolescents [68]; youth with HIV [55,62]). The final subset (n = 5) recruited individuals seeking treatment for Axis I disorders (other than substance use disorders) and targeted depression in individuals with chronic pain [69], eating disorders [38,70,71], and social phobia [72]. …”