Introduction / Rationale: Chronic Neuropathic Pain (CNP) is defined as pain that arises due to ‘a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system’ which lasts more than 3 months. CNP affects 7-10% of the population in UK, US, Canada and Europe. CNP is highly disabling. Rehabilitation programme including Occupational therapy is hampered due to non-engagement of the patients. Pharmacologic therapies are often ineffective, expensive and produce harmful adverse reactions.
Objectives: To test whether a non-invasive, non-pharmacologic intervention like EEG Neuro-feedback therapy of 12 weeks duration can alleviate CNP and improve quality of life.
Methods : A Randomised Control trial of 80 patients recruited from UK. The trial will be conducted remotely by delivering the miniaturised device by post and gathering data online with Cloud based storage in UK.
Practice considerations: The Feasibility and pilot study using a multi-disciplinary team remotely conducting the study has been completed and published. These allowed refinement of logistical aspects, team cohesion, task distribution, securing necessary fund, sample size estimation based on pilot data ( N=80), outcome measures chosen eg Braief Pain Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Pain Catastrophising Score, Stress, Anxiety & Depression score.
Conclusion / contribution to OT profession: Rehabilitation of CNP is relevant for OT professionals as well as other team members. The study will encourage inclusion of OT in large scale RCT of CNP, reducing cost & carbon footprint due to remote working, keeping focus on functional aspects of patients with CNP will be highlighted.