A randomized controlled trial of a peer-led pain management program for older adults: Baseline characteristics and preliminary results

Abstract Background Chronic pain is common among nursing home residents and they may have difficulty seeking out pain management strategies. Due to the limitation of healthcare resources, peer support model was proved with promising effect in managing chronic conditions. Methods It is a clustered randomized controlled trial. Peer-led pain management program was provided for the experimental group. Pain situation, depression, quality of life, non-drug strategies used and pain knowledge were measured. Results Totally 262 participants joined the study. Their overall pain score was 6.36. Leg was the most frequently reported site of pain and walking ability was interfered. Depression was also reported by the participants. The score for quality of life was 32.65 for physical component and 51.58 for mental component. The mean score for pain knowledge was 46.81 out of 100. No significant difference was shown between two groups at baseline. Discussion Severe pain intensity and low self-efficacy among the participants indicated it is necessary to provide pain management programs especially for this population. The frequency with strategies applied were significantly correlated with pain intensity, pain interference, depression, and quality of life. Pain knowledge also correlated significantly with some strategies.