Title: Feasibility of a Positive Psychology Chronic Pain Self-Management Intervention Delivered by Community Health Workers
Investigator: Mary Janevic, MPH, PhD, University of Michigan School of Public Health
Overview: This is a Stage 1 pilot study that will test the feasibility and acceptability of a community health worker (CHW)-delivered, positive psychology-based chronic pain self-management intervention for older adults in a predominantly African-American, urban community (Detroit, MI). Using a systematic process of needs assessment and usability testing (Aim 1), we will develop resilience/positive activity content, including web modules and a participant manual, so that it is responsive to the needs of the priority population. We will also develop materials for CHW program “guides” who will help participants understand and apply online content in weekly telephone sessions. The clinical trial portion of this study is Aim 2, in which we will assess the acceptability and preliminary effects of the adapted intervention in a sample of 50 participants, using a waitlist control condition, such that control group participants will be invited to participate in a modified version of the intervention after they complete their follow-up survey. We will use mixed quantitative and qualitative methods to assess key program processes and outcomes. A total of 50 participants will be randomized to intervention or control groups, using a computer-generated block randomization scheme (sealedenvelope.com).