Researchers from the University of Michigan have conducted a feasibility pilot study on a novel coaching intervention aimed at helping Veterans optimize their use of medical cannabis products for managing chronic pain.
(Photo credit: GETTY Images).
The study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research and available online via the U.S. National Library of Medicine, involved Veterans with chronic pain who were currently using or interested in using cannabis for pain relief.
The intervention was developed using insights from existing scientific literature, consultations with cannabis experts, input from Veterans through a Community Advisory Board, and principles of motivational interviewing. Participants were provided up to four individual coaching sessions via videoconference over the course of approximately eight weeks. Feasibility was assessed through adherence, satisfaction, and acceptability metrics, with preliminary effects on pain symptoms evaluated 14 weeks after baseline.
Of the 22 participants, 17 completed all four coaching sessions, while others attended at least two. Among those who completed post-intervention surveys, 87.5% expressed being very or completely satisfied with the program, and 81.3% found the coaching very or extremely helpful. All participants reported improvements in their condition based on the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), with 63% noting “much” or “very much” improvement. Additionally, significant reductions in pain intensity and pain interference were observed, alongside increased social satisfaction.
Participants highlighted the benefits of co-developing personalized plans, addressing concerns, and exploring various cannabis-based treatments. The study concludes that the intervention was well-received and resulted in clinically significant improvements in pain symptoms, suggesting that a larger efficacy trial is warranted to further evaluate its potential.
The full study can be found here.
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