627: Interdisciplinary approaches for Group Health Promotion in Chronic Pain patients

Topic: Education, Societal Impact, and Others
Subtopic: Organisation of clinical pain care

Background and Aims: Chronic pain is a multifactorial condition requiring interdisciplinary intervention aligned with the biopsychosocial model. However, public health systems in low- and middle-income countries, such as Brazil, often face a critical gap between surging clinical demand and restricted access to mental health services. This disparity underscores the urgent need for innovative, cost-effective solutions that integrate physical rehabilitation with psychosocial support. Hence, this study presents an interdisciplinary collective protocol for chronic pain intervention, designed as a scalable strategy to expand mental health care access and improve therapeutic outcomes within the public health sector.

Methods: Conducted at the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital’s Physiatry Service, this longitudinal and collective intervention targets adults with chronic pain following medical referral and psychological screening. The program delivers weekly sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes, with psychology and mental health serving as the primary axis. These interventions feature the full-time participation of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, alongside targeted nutritional guidance. The protocol is structured around self-regulation and self-efficacy, addressing pain psychoeducation, the intervention of maladaptive behaviors, emotional regulation, and crisis intervention, while integrating mindfulness, physical activity, and the socio-nutritional dimensions of chronic pain care.

Results: To date, 53 screenings have been conducted, with 41 participants completing baseline assessments. The cohort (mean age 55.6 ± 9.6 years) is predominantly female (92.7%) with low educational attainment (5.6 ± 2.1 years). The socioeconomic profile reveals extreme vulnerability: 73.2% of participants are outside the labor market, relying on government assistance or limited family support, compounded by a weakened social support network. Currently, 34 individuals remain active, maintaining a mean attendance of 15 people per session, with sporadic sessions reaching higher attendance levels.

Conclusions: These preliminary data reflect a protocol currently in implementation phase, established on a continuous basis since January 2025 following a 2024 pilot period. Data analysis and the consolidation of the protocol within the public health service remain ongoing. Initial empirical observations suggest the model's feasibility and participant adherence despite significant socioeconomic barriers. However, given the study's ongoing nature, these inferences are limited. Future longitudinal designs and robust statistical analyses are required to evaluate clinical and psychosocial outcomes, aiming to eventually strengthen the evidence base for this integrated care model within the public health system.

References: International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). IASP Terminology and Pain Definition. Pain. 2020;161(9):1976–1982.

World Health Organization. WHO Guidelines on Chronic Pain. Geneva: WHO; 2023.

Eccleston C, Williams ACC, Morley S. Psychological therapies for chronic pain in adults. BMJ. 2020;368:m874.

Nicholas MK, et al. Implementation of pain management programmes in clinical practice. Pain. 2019;160(1):1–10.

Gatchel RJ, McGeary DD, McGeary CA, Lippe B. Interdisciplinary chronic pain management: past, present, and future. American Psychologist. 2014;69(2):119–130.

Presenting Author: Dartcleia Moura Martins Neves
Submitting Author: Dartcleia Moura Martins Neves

Senior Author: Dartcleia Moura Martins Neves

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: No

• Washington Alves Bianchi: Doctor - Rio de Janeiro State University
• Ana Lúcia Muniz Teixera Mourão: Medical Doctor - Rio de Janeiro State University
• Iasmin Camacho Novaes de Oliveira: Medical Doctor - Rio de Janeiro State University
• Vinicius de Araújo Valverde: Medical doctor - Rio de Janeiro State University
• Renata De Lorenzi Teixeira: Master of Science - University of Coimbra
• Wagner Thalles Silva: Master of Science - Rio de Janeiro State University