Participants' evaluation of a brief intervention for pain-related work disability

Abstract

The aim of the study was to describe participants' evaluation of a light cognitive-behavioral therapy-based intervention for pain-related work disability. The sample ('n'=33) participated in a 6-week program and had the following features: mean age was 41 years; 67% men; 54.5% back injury; 48.5% unskilled; and mean time lost from work was 16.6 months (range 2-161 months). A program evaluation form was completed. The program was reportedly helpful for improving pain self-management, activity levels, and work resumption. However, over 25% of the sample requested more time be spent on sleep strategies, relaxation, and anger and flare-ups management. It 'did not solve the pain problem'. Despite making gains in pain management, many participants continued to experience pain and desired to sleep better, relax more, and be distress and pain free. This ongoing suffering may be under recognized in a system that focuses on return-to-work before full recovery.