Due to the subjective nature of chronic pain, management rather than cure is the primary objective. With the widespread use of the Internet, computer-based psychological interventions provide a...Show moreDue to the subjective nature of chronic pain, management rather than cure is the primary objective. With the widespread use of the Internet, computer-based psychological interventions provide a convenient and easily accessible alternative for managing chronic pain. The review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of computer-based mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), comparing them with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and investigating their impact on pain acceptance and self-efficacy among chronic pain patients. In accordance with the PICOS criteria, multiple databases were searched for randomised controlled studies involving adults aged 17 to 67 with chronic pain. The quality of selected studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook’s ‘risk of bias’ tool. For the quantitative analysis, R version 4.30 was utilised, and random effects meta-analyses were conducted for each research question to account for heterogeneity between studies. Standardised mean differences (SMD) were computed, and effect sizes were aggregated using the metacont package in R, with Hedges’ g as the effect size metric to account for small-sample bias. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed to compare the treatment effectiveness of MBIs and CBT interventions. The immediate effects of MBIs on pain management were not statistically significant; however, small to moderate effects were observed during follow-up. Concerning pain acceptance and self-efficacy, no significant differences were observed between MBIs and CBT interventions. However, computer-based MBIs significantly affected pain acceptance, indicating potential benefits in this regard. The review highlights the potential of computer-based MBIs for chronic pain management. The limited number of studies and meta-analyses in this area, however, calls for additional research on intervention durations, moderating factors, and integration with other treatment modalities or the healthcare system.Show less
