Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the Management of Chronic NonCancer Pain: A Summary of a Health Technology Assessment

Key Take-Away Messages for Decision-Makers

Due to the uncertain evidence, we are unable to draw a strong conclusion about the safety and effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) as a treatment option when in-person cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) would otherwise be offered for chronic non-cancer pain. If decision-makers decide to implement an iCBT program for chronic pain as part of their multidisciplinary approach to pain care, they should consider offering programs that:

• are guided by therapists specifically trained in chronic pain
• foster strong therapeutic relationships, encourage shared decision-making practices, and can be tailored to the needs of the person living with chronic pain
• take into account the readiness and suitability of the person living with chronic pain before offering iCBT
• address privacy and technological concerns or challenges.