Randomized controlled trial of medical assistant-coached behavioral intervention for chronic pain
Primary result · FIQR global impact scoreResult — go to the resultAdjusted between-group difference 0.20 points 95% CI −4.81 to 5.20Authors' conclusion
This scalable, medical assistant-coached digital program shows promising benefits, including greater reductions in pain interference and a long-term improvement in global symptom burden, despite no difference at the primary endpoint.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with spinal pain and fibromyalgia symptoms
- Participants
- 119 / 120 / 60
- Comparison
- PRISM-CBT vs standard cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) vs usual care
- PRISM-CBTn = 119
- CBTn = 120
- Usual care (UC)n = 60reference
- Primary endpoint
- Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQR) global impact score (0-100; higher=worse)
- Follow-up
- 8 weeks
Primary result
FIQR global impact score
Adjusted between-group difference
0.20 points
95% CI −4.81 to 5.20
P = 0.939
PRISM-CBT vs UC
adjusted between-group difference 0.20 points (95% CI −4.81 to 5.20); P = 0.939
As reported in the abstract
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | Estimate | P value |
|---|---|---|
| FIQR global impact score · 12 monthsPRISM-CBT vs UC | greater improvement 7.4 points (95% CI 0.15–14.64) | P = 0.045 |
| FIQR global impact score, vs CBT · 8 weeks | greater improvement 4.8 points (95% CI 0.00–9.57) | P = 0.050 |
| BPI pain interference, vs UC · 8 weeks, 6 months, 12 monthsPRISM-CBT vs UC · 8 weeks | lower interference 0.88 points (95% CI 0.25–1.50) | P = 0.006 |
| BPI pain interference, vs UC · 8 weeks, 6 months, 12 monthsPRISM-CBT vs UC · 6 months | lower interference 0.88 points (95% CI 0.23–1.54) | P = 0.009 |
| BPI pain interference, vs UC · 8 weeks, 6 months, 12 monthsPRISM-CBT vs UC · 12 months | lower interference 1.42 points (95% CI 0.53–2.32) | P = 0.002 |
| BPI pain interference, vs CBT · 8 weeks, 6 months, 12 monthsPRISM-CBT vs CBT · 8 weeks | lower interference 0.98 points (95% CI 0.38–1.57) | P = 0.001 |
| BPI pain interference, vs CBT · 8 weeks, 6 months, 12 monthsPRISM-CBT vs CBT · 6 months | lower interference 0.63 points (95% CI 0.01–1.25) | P = 0.045 |
| BPI pain interference, vs CBT · 8 weeks, 6 months, 12 monthsPRISM-CBT vs CBT · 12 months | lower interference 1.92 points (95% CI 1.09–2.76) | P < 0.001 |
| BPI pain severity · 6 months (vs UC); 12 months (vs CBT)PRISM-CBT vs UC · 6 months | greater improvement 0.56 points (95% CI 0.03–1.08) | P = 0.039 |
| BPI pain severity · 6 months (vs UC); 12 months (vs CBT)PRISM-CBT vs CBT · 12 months | greater improvement 0.86 points (95% CI 0.19–1.53) | P = 0.011 |
Original publication
Randomized controlled trial of medical assistant-coached behavioral intervention for chronic pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 6 March 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →