The randomized clinical trial involving veterans with chronic noncancer pain showed that those who received a stepped-care pain management approach had significantly lower pain-related disability, pain interference with daily life, and pain intensity compared to the usual care group after 9 months.

In the trial, 241 veterans were divided into two groups: one received 12 weeks of analgesia and self-management techniques followed by 12 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), while the other group received usual chronic-care. The results indicated that the treatment group experienced notable improvements in their pain management outcomes, highlighting the effectiveness of combining pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies in managing chronic pain in veterans.

Key points

241 veterans participated in the trial
Treatment group received 12 weeks of analgesia and self-management, followed by 12 weeks of CBT
Significant improvements in pain-related disability and pain intensity were observed
The study emphasizes the role of nonpharmacologic methods in pain management
Nurse care managers facilitated all interventions

What were the outcomes of the randomized clinical trial involving veterans with chronic noncancer pain that utilized a stepped-care pain management approach?