Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain in an Older Adult: A Telehealth Approach Amid COVID-19

Abstract

Objectives: This case study evaluates the effectiveness of online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain management in an older adult, expanding on prior research (Campbell, Podugu, and Morris, 2021) by assessing its adaptation for telehealth during COVID-19. Methods: A 78-year-old woman with chronic pain completed a structured, eight-session ACT program delivered via telehealth. Quality of life (QoL), depression, physical activity, and ACT-specific measures were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and across multiple phases. Results: Online ACT was associated with improvements in chronic pain and overall functioning. The participant demonstrated excellent therapy adherence, achieved clinically significant gains in physical activity, and improvement in pain. Positive outcomes were observed across key variables. Conclusions: Online ACT is a feasible and effective approach for chronic pain management in older adults. Telehealth adaptations can enhance accessibility and treatment outcomes, addressing barriers such as mobility limitations and geographical constraints. These findings align with existing evidence supporting ACT for chronic pain in older adults. Clinical Implications: Findings support the role of online ACT in chronic pain management for older adults, and its potential in telehealth-based interventions. Further research is needed to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and generalizability across diverse populations.