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Interactive CBT for Headache And Relaxation Training

Not Applicable
Terminated
Conditions
Post-Traumatic Headache
Interventions
Behavioral: iCHART - Interactive CBT for Headache And Relaxation Training
Registration Number
NCT05093556
Lead Sponsor
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
Brief Summary

This mixed-methods pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of iCHART (Interactive CBT for Headache And Relaxation Training), an interactive voice response (IVR) based delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy for Veterans with post-traumatic headache. Participants will receive iCHART treatment through the IVR system over a period of 10 weeks, which will include an automated daily assessment of patient-reported outcomes, retrieval of fortnightly tailored feedback from a study therapist, and additional weekly one-way motivational enhancement messaging. Delivery of traditional evidence-based behavioral treatments for headache management through technology-based interventions, such as IVR may ultimately increase much needed access to these treatments and allow patients to receive care at a time that is convenient for them.

Detailed Description

Headache disorders are prevalent and highly disabling chronic neurological pain conditions, especially among women and people with traumatic brain injury, yet remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. Cognitive behavioral therapy for headache is an evidence-based psychological treatment that is effective in reducing headache frequency and severity, addressing psychiatric comorbidities, and improving an individual's quality of life, yet it remains hugely underutilized and inaccessible to many. Delivery of traditional evidence-based behavioral treatments for headache management through technology-based interventions may ultimately increase much needed access to these treatments. Interactive voice response (IVR) is an automated telephone-based technology where people receive tailored messaging which allows them to track symptoms, target behavior change, and engage in disease self-management. This mixed-methods pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of iCHART (Interactive CBT for Headache And Relaxation Training), an IVR-based delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy for Veterans with headache.

Participants will be thirty-five Veterans receiving care within VA Connecticut Healthcare System, who are diagnosed with post-traumatic headache. All eligible participants will complete an initial intake interview and a 28-day electronic headache diary. Following the baseline assessment period, eligible participants will then receive iCHART treatment through the IVR system over a period of 10 weeks, which will include an automated daily assessment of patient-reported outcomes, retrieval of fortnightly tailored feedback from a study therapist, and additional weekly one-way motivational enhancement messaging. Participants will access a patient workbook via the iCHART study website and iCHART providers will visualize patient-reported data through the secure iCHART provider dashboard. Assessment measures will be completed at baseline, immediately post-treatment completion, and one month post-treatment completion. Analysis of primary and secondary outcome measures will employ mixed methods.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
TERMINATED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • Diagnosis of post-traumatic headache disorder (migraine and/or tension-type subtype)
  • Frequency of ≥4 headache days per month
  • Primary pain complaint of headache
  • Access to a touchtone telephone and computer/tablet
Exclusion Criteria
  • Non-English speaking
  • Non-Veteran
  • Receiving hospice or palliative care
  • Sensory deficits that would impair participation in the IVR telephone calls
  • Significant cognitive impairment
  • Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization for any psychiatric or substance use diagnosis in the past 30 days from screening
  • Active psychotic symptoms, suicidality, or severe depressive symptoms
  • Suicidal and/or homicidal ideation in the past 6 months from screening

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
iCHART - Interactive CBT for Headache And Relaxation TrainingiCHART - Interactive CBT for Headache And Relaxation Training10 week interactive-voice response technology (IVR) based cognitive behavioral therapy for headache
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in headache daysBaseline and week 14

Daily self-reported headache days

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in headache-related disabilityBaseline and week 14

Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) is a 5-item, self-report measure of life disruption due to headache. Cut points represent thresholds for little or no disability (0-5), mild disability (6-10), moderate disability (11-20), and severe disability (21+).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

VACHS

🇺🇸

West Haven, Connecticut, United States

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