A systematic review of internet-based interventions for women with chronic pain

• Published in: British Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol. 84; no. 1; pp. 6 - 14
• Main Authors: Ariza-Mateos, María José, Cabrera-Martos, Irene, Prados-Román, Esther, Granados-Santiago, María, Rodríguez-Torres, Janet, Carmen Valenza, Marie
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-01-2021; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Behavior modification; Chronic pain; Clinical outcomes; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Cognitive-behavioral factors; Health education; High risk; Internet; Occupational therapy; Online instruction; Pain; Pain management; Psychoeducational treatment; Psychosocial factors; Psychosocial intervention; Risk assessment; Systematic review; Women; Womens health; Women; chronic pain; systematic review; therapy; internet
• ISSN: 0308-0226; 1477-6006
• DOI: 10.1177/0308022620970861

Introduction
To evaluate the effects of internet-based interventions on physical and psychosocial outcomes in women with chronic pain through a systematic review.
Method
A search of the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Two different authors separately tabulated the indices selected in identical predetermined forms. The methodological quality of all randomised trials was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias.
Results
Seven articles were finally included. The main features of interventions included online cognitive-behavioural and/or psychoeducation therapy to improve health with an interactive component. The methodological quality showed a high risk of bias, mainly from a lack of blinding.
Conclusion
There are indicators that suggest that internet-based interventions may be useful for women with chronic pain. However, the validity of such a conclusion is limited as most trials included had a high risk of bias. More rigorous research is required before stating that such interventions can overcome the current limitations of traditional face-to-face care.