Poster presenter: Kelli D. Allen, PhD, research professor of medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Poster title: Pilot Study of an Internet-Based Pain Coping Skills Training Program for Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Scheduled poster session day and time: Sunday, Nov. 8, 9 – 11 a.m.
What is your poster about?
This poster describes results of a pilot study examining the feasibility and acceptability of painTRAINER, an automated, internet-based pain coping skills training programs among individuals with lupus. Results showed study participants who used the painTRAINER program had substantial decreases in pain catastrophizing, pain interference, and depressive symptoms compared with patients in a wait-list control group who did not participate in the painTRAINER program.
Why did you decide to investigate this topic?
Prior studies have found that pain-coping skills training programs can improve physical and psychological health outcomes among patients with other rheumatic conditions, but there have been no trials of pain coping skills programs among patients with lupus, who face a unique set of disease-related challenges.
What excites you most about your work?
painTRAINER has potential to improve the quality of life of many patients with lupus. Since it is an automated, internet-based program, there is great potential for broad dissemination.
What are you working on next related to this poster?
Next steps include tailoring of the painTRAINER program to specific needs of patients with lupus and identifying strategies for increasing patient use of the program.