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This article reports qualitative outcomes from a randomized controlled trial comparing eight weeks of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) and mindfulness-based group therapy (MBT) in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Approximately 10 months post-treatment, 108 participants completed structured qualitative interviews to express how the study treatment affected their life or health. Responses were qualitatively analyzed to generate a set of themes and subthemes, with between-groups comparisons to evaluate differences (if any) in treatment-response between MBT and CBT-CP. A majority of participants (n = 88, 81.5%) across both groups reflected positively on the study intervention and outcomes, identifying benefits in pain management (31.5%), meditation and mindfulness skills (25.9%), and relaxation skills (22.2%). Perceived benefits varied widely, suggesting no one intervention may be ideal for CLBP. Future research should examine tailoring interventions to target diverse clinical presentations to achieve optimal outcomes.
RESUMEN
Background/objectives: Surgical populations and particularly injury survivors often present with complex trauma that elevates their risk for prolonged opioid use and misuse. Changes in opioid prescribing guidelines during the past several years have yielded mixed results for pain management after trauma, with a limiting factor being the heterogeneity of clinical populations and treatment needs in individuals receiving opioids. The present analysis illuminates this gap between clinical guidelines and clinical practice through qualitative feedback from hospital trauma providers and unit staff members regarding current opioid prescribing guidelines and practices in the setting of traumatic injury. Methods: The parent study aimed to implement a pilot screening tool for opioid misuse in four level I and II trauma hospitals throughout Wisconsin. As part of the parent study, focus groups were conducted at each study site to explore the facilitators and barriers of implementing a novel screening tool, as well as to examine the current opioid prescribing guidelines, trainings, and resources available for trauma and acute care providers. Focus group transcripts were independently coded and analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach to identify themes related to the facilitators and barriers of opioid prescribing guidelines in trauma and acute care. Results: Three major themes were identified as impactful to opioid-related prescribing and care provided in the setting of traumatic injury; these include (1) acute treatment strategies; (2) patient interactions surrounding pain management; and (3) the multifactorial nature of trauma on pain management approaches. Conclusion: Providers and staff at four Wisconsin trauma centers called for trauma-specific opioid prescribing guidelines in the setting of trauma and acute care. The ubiquitous prescription of opioids and challenges in long-term pain management in these settings necessitate additional community-integrated research to inform development of federal guidelines. Level of evidence: Therapeutic/care management, level V.
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Despite the effectiveness of prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in reducing symptoms of PTSD and co-occurring symptoms, emerging research suggests continued mental health service utilization (MHSU) following the completion of these interventions. Reasons for continued MHSU remain unknown despite its relevance to PE/CPT outcomes and implementation. The present study employed a mixed methods approach to explore rates and reasons for VA MHSU post PE/CPT. A national sample of 5,634 U.S. veterans who completed either PE or CPT were identified to quantitatively determine the frequency, type, and location of MHSU in the 12 months following PE/CPT completion. A random subsample of 60 veterans completed semistructured qualitative interviews to explore reasons for MHSU post PE/CPT. Findings suggest high MHSU; 98.4% of veterans attended at least one mental health appointment in the year following completion of PE/CPT, with an average attending 27.64 appointments in the year following treatment completion. Qualitatively, veterans, particularly those with low-to-moderate residual symptoms, described a preference for additional treatment to continue practicing and applying skills learned in treatment. Veterans expressed low self-efficacy to maintain treatment gains without support and accountability from their therapists and viewed ongoing treatment as a safety net until they felt more confident in their skills and stability of gains. Veterans with high residual symptoms indicated needing additional PTSD-specific treatment or treatment for a co-occurring condition. Notably, some veterans reported no additional treatment needs, despite continued engagement in care. Evidence-based strategies for facilitating self-efficacy and ongoing application of PE/CPT principles posttreatment are needed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This systematized review sought to fill a gap in psilocybin research by investigating the structure and format of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP), with a focus on the counseling components of the treatment. METHODS: A systematized review of PAP was conducted by using the PubMed and PsycInfo databases to search for peer-reviewed studies of human clinical trials, published within the past 25 years, in which psilocybin was administered with psychological support in a clinical setting. RESULTS: Eleven articles matched the criteria necessary for inclusion in this review. PAP was found to consist of three stages: pretreatment sessions to prepare participants for psilocybin, treatment sessions in which psilocybin was administered, and posttreatment sessions to integrate the experience with daily life. Conventional psychotherapy was primarily seen in the pre- and posttreatment sessions. Psychotherapies included in PAP differed among studies, but most often included music therapy and a nondirective supportive approach to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This systematized review found important commonalities among clinical trials of PAP published within the past 25 years and revealed key differences among studies in psychotherapy's incorporation into PAP. Additional research is needed to identify the unique effect of psychotherapy in PAP.
