Actively Waiting: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Virtual Self-Management Program Designed to Empower People With Chronic Pain Waiting for Interprofessional Care.

Abstract

Chronic pain affects 1.9 billion people worldwide and wait times for interprofessional pain management programs can be extensive. The existing wait times provide an opportunity to introduce internet-based interventions that enhance self-management ability.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, engagement, and meaningfulness of an online program designed to enhance the readiness for change and self-management.

Design: Participants (N = 61) waiting for interprofessional chronic pain care at two centers were assigned to engage in either a series of eight self-directed web-based modules or engage in the modules with the addition of four one-on-one sessions delivered by coaches trained in motivational interviewing techniques.

Methods: We collected participant demographics, feasibility and engagement metrics, and pre and post intervention questionnaires. A subset of participants from each group participated in an interview (n = 22).

Results: The use of online modules was found to be feasible and acceptable for participants and engagement varied depending on individual preference and between modules. Participants noted that the content and approach were relevant and meaningful, influencing changes in thinking and behaviour around pain self-management. Exploratory analyses were performed and supported improvement in self-efficacy and chronic pain acceptance outcomes in both groups. Coaching did not augment improvements in any of our outcomes.

Conclusions and clinical implications: The use of a self-directed web-based chronic pain and motivational empowerment program appears to be a promising option to support people waiting for specialist care and may influence readiness for interprofessional care.