Study Overview
This study focused on how peer group management can help people with chronic pain, especially those who struggle to work due to their condition. It explored whether group support could provide relief when traditional treatments fall short.
Who Participated?
The participants were employees aged 18-65 from the Municipality of Helsinki, mostly women (83%). They had chronic pain lasting over three months and were at risk of work disability.
How Was the Study Conducted?
This was a randomized controlled trial where participants were divided into two groups: one received a peer group intervention that included mindfulness and therapy techniques, while the other was placed on a waiting list for the same program. After some dropouts, 48 people attended six weekly group sessions.
What Were the Results?
The peer group intervention led to:
- A 40% reduction in the number of painful areas, decreasing from 5.96 to 3.58.
- A 15% increase in self-efficacy regarding pain management, rising from 30.4 to 37.5.
- A slight decrease in pain intensity from 7.1 to 6.8, though this was not statistically significant.
Conclusions
The six-week peer group intervention showed partial effectiveness. It significantly reduced the number of painful areas and improved pain self-efficacy, making these outcomes more responsive than the overall pain intensity.
Opportunities for Improvement
Based on the trial data, clinics can:
- Define Measurable Outcomes: Set clear goals to track changes in pain intensity, the number of painful areas, and self-efficacy.
- Select AI Tools: Choose AI solutions that fit specific clinical needs to enhance patient care.
- Implement Gradually: Start with a pilot project to monitor results and expand based on the findings.
Contact Us for AI Solutions in Medical Management
For assistance with implementing AI solutions, reach out to us:
- Telegram: https://t.me/itinai
- X: https://x.com/vlruso
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/itinai/
