ENCompaSS Program for Chronic Low Back Pain

(ENCompaSS Trial)

This trial aims to help veterans manage chronic low back pain through a program called ENCompaSS (Education, Navigated Care, and Supported Self-Management), which includes education, care navigation, and self-management support. Participants will either join this program with personalized phone support and educational videos or continue with their usual care. The trial compares these two approaches to determine which is more effective in reducing pain and improving life quality. Veterans who experience frequent or daily chronic low back pain and have recently visited a VA clinic for it might be a good fit for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers veterans the opportunity to explore innovative pain management strategies that could enhance their quality of life.

Research has shown that exercise therapy, a key component of the ENCompaSS program, is generally safe and can help reduce pain in people with chronic low back pain. Studies have found that long-term exercise therapy can relieve pain and improve function in various chronic pain conditions. This treatment is usually well-tolerated and unlikely to cause serious side effects. The program also includes phone calls and educational videos focusing on self-care and support, which are non-invasive and carry very low risk. Overall, evidence supports the safety of the ENCompaSS program for managing chronic low back pain.¹²³⁴⁵

The ENCompaSS program is unique because it combines education, navigated care, and supported self-management into one comprehensive approach for managing chronic low back pain. Unlike standard options that often rely on medication or isolated therapies, ENCompaSS emphasizes structured pain education, shared decision-making, and facilitated access to preferred non-pharmacologic treatments. This holistic method also incorporates asynchronous educational videos and optional SMS communication, aiming to empower patients with tools to manage their pain more effectively. Researchers are excited about this approach because it leverages existing resources while promoting self-efficacy and personalized care, potentially leading to better outcomes for veterans suffering from chronic low back pain.

Research has shown that self-management programs can help people with chronic low back pain feel better and move more easily. For instance, one study found that self-management significantly reduced long-term pain. Another study showed that patients using self-management were more likely to reduce their pain by half. In this trial, participants may receive the ENCompaSS program, which includes support from healthcare professionals and has proven effective in previous studies. These programs provide education, decision-making tools, and support for setting personal goals. Overall, evidence suggests that ENCompaSS could be helpful in managing chronic low back pain.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰