Carrie L Hicks1, Carl L von Baeyer, Patrick J McGrath. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Saskatchewan, Mental Health Services-Victoria Square, Box 3003, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada S6V 6G1. carrie.hicks@shaw.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a distance treatment delivered through Internet and telephone for pediatric recurrent pain. METHODS:Forty-seven participants (9-16 years of age) were randomly assigned to either an Internet-based treatment or a standard medical care waitlist. Treatment employed a Web-based manual for children and parents with weekly therapist contact by telephone or e-mail. At 1- and 3-month follow-ups, participants were assessed on the outcome variables of pain and quality of life. A 50% reduction in diary pain scores was considered clinically significant. RESULTS: Significant between-group differences were found: 71 and 72% of the treatment group achieved clinically significant improvement at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups, respectively, whereas only 19 and 14% of the control group achieved the criterion. No significant differences were found on the quality of life variable. CONCLUSIONS: Distance methods have considerable potential for making effective treatments more accessible with lower associated costs.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a distance treatment delivered through Internet and telephone for pediatric recurrent pain. METHODS: Forty-seven participants (9-16 years of age) were randomly assigned to either an Internet-based treatment or a standard medical care waitlist. Treatment employed a Web-based manual for children and parents with weekly therapist contact by telephone or e-mail. At 1- and 3-month follow-ups, participants were assessed on the outcome variables of pain and quality of life. A 50% reduction in diary pain scores was considered clinically significant. RESULTS: Significant between-group differences were found: 71 and 72% of the treatment group achieved clinically significant improvement at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups, respectively, whereas only 19 and 14% of the control group achieved the criterion. No significant differences were found on the quality of life variable. CONCLUSIONS: Distance methods have considerable potential for making effective treatments more accessible with lower associated costs.