Pilot Feasibility Study of a Brief, Tailored Mobile Health Intervention for Depression among Patients with Chronic Pain

Abstract

This pilot feasibility study investigated a brief, tailored mobile health intervention to provide brief treatment and motivate further depression treatment seeking among patients with comorbid chronic pain. The computer tablet intervention was delivered in a hospital clinic using a blended motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy approach. Individuals were at least age 18, and screened positive for depression during a visit for chronic pain. Participants completed assessments before the intervention and at two-week follow-up. The 64 participants were most often over 50 years old, female, and Caucasian. Participant ratings demonstrated an increase in interest to seek depression treatment and willingness to make life changes to mitigate symptoms. A significant reduction in mean depression score and non-significant reductions on both measures of disability were observed. This intervention was feasible and acceptable, demonstrated promise in reducing depression and increasing treatment interest, and should be tested in a trial.

Keywords:

• brief intervention
• chronic pain
• depression
• mobile health

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank Renee Atkinson, Jessica Beatty, Emily Rose, Summar Saad, Travis DeCarlo, Mark Kolar, and Nancy Lasceski for their assistance in the development and implementation phases of this study.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a grant provided by the Institute for Population Studies, Health Assessment, Administration, Services, and Economics (INPHAASE) inter-institutional program at Wayne State University and Henry Ford Health System.