Peer volunteers in an integrative pain management program for frail older adults with chronic pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundChronic pain is common among the older population. A literature review on pain management program showed that exercise, yoga, massage therapy, Tai Chi, and music therapy could significantly reduce pain. In spite of the proven benefits of pain management programs, these intervention programs were effective only in the short term, and older adults would resume their old habits. It has been suggested that interventions comprising some type of social support have great potential to increase the participation of older adults. Therefore, we propose the inclusion of peer volunteers in an integrated pain management program to relieve pain among frail older adults. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of an integrated pain management program supplemented with peer volunteers in improving pain intensity, functional mobility, physical activity, loneliness levels, happiness levels, and the use of non-pharmacological pain-relieving methods among frail older adults with chronic pain.Methods/DesignWe intend to recruit 30 nursing home residents and 30 peer volunteers from the Institute of Active Ageing in Hong Kong in a group trial for an 8-week group-based integrated pain management program. There will be 16 sessions, with two 1-hour sessions each week.The primary outcome will be pain levels, while secondary outcomes will be assessed according to functional mobility, physical activity, loneliness levels, happiness levels, the use of non-pharmacological pain-relieving methods, and through a questionnaire for volunteers.DiscussionIn view of the high prevalence of chronic pain among older adults and its adverse impacts, it is important to provide older adults with tools to control their pain. We propose the use of peer volunteers to enhance the effects of an integrated pain management program. It is expected that pain can be reduced and improvements can be achieved among older adults in the areas of physical activity, functional mobility, loneliness levels, happiness levels, and the use of non-pharmacological pain relieving methods. Using these results, we will assess the need to conduct a larger study with a randomized controlled design.Trial registrationThis trial was registered on 24 February 2014 at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) with the trial number: ACTRN12614000195651

Frailty, pain and psychological variables among older adults living in Hong Kong nursing homes: can we do better to address multimorbidities?

“…The protocol has been published in details (Tse et al . ,b). A total of 32 nursing home residents participated in a 12‐week group‐based PV‐IPMP, with two 1‐h sessions per week on pain education given by peers.…”

“…Another pilot study also demonstrated the effectiveness of an 8‐week play activities in reducing pain and loneliness, and enhancing happiness, functional mobility and life satisfaction among frail older adults (Tse et al . ,b). As the population ages, effective interventions should be explored which not only target on improving mobility and reducing pain, but also address loneliness among older adults in order to reduce frailty and improve quality of life.…”

“…Indeed, various studies have shown the effectiveness of peer support programme and play activities in reducing pain, improving functional mobility and enhancing psychological parameters among older adults (Tse et al . ,b, ). Therefore, in view of the high prevalence of pain among older adults and the reversibility of frailty, it is important to explore the relationship among pain, frailty and psychological parameters in order to devise patient‐centred interventions.…”

Physical literacy-based intervention for older adults: a cluster randomized controlled trial study protocol

“…The buddy peers support group introduced in this program may greatly increase social support which will be shown to be a key determinant of adherence to the exercise programs and create a commitment to achieve specified levels of physical activity ( 19 ). Therefore in this proposed study, peer-support groups with buddy members will be arranged in each daycare center.…”

Active Aging and Happiness: European Senior Citizen Volunteers

“…In fact, senior citizen volunteering is usually considered as a protective factor and health promoter. The positive health effects of volunteering include objective behaviours and conditions such as functional mobility, physical activity, the use of non-pharmacological pain-relieving methods (Tse et al 2014) and prevention of early mortality (Konrath et al 2012). These effects are also evident from a subjective perspective of wellbeing, volunteering can lead to: an improved emotional condition (Ho 2015;Morrow-Howell et al 2010), reduced stress (Greenfield -Marks 2004), a moderation of the impact of functional limitations on depression (Greenfield -Marks 2007), and the mitigation of the intensity of pain (Tse et al 2014).…”