Engaging with EPIO, a digital pain self-management program: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background:Chronic pain conditions entail significant personal and societal burdens and improved outreach of evidence-based pain self-management programs are needed. Digital cognitive-behavioral self-management interventions have shown promise. However, evidence is still scarce and several challenges with such interventions for chronic pain exist. Exploring patients' experiences and engagement with digital interventions may be an essential step towards developing meaningful digital self-management interventions for those living with chronic pain. Objectives:This study aimed to gain insight into the experiences of people with chronic pain when engaging with EPIO, an application (app)-based cognitive-behavioral pain self-management intervention program.Methods: Participants (N=50) living with chronic pain received access to the EPIO intervention for 3 months. During this time, all participants received a follow-up phone call at 2-3 weeks, and a subsample (n=15) also participated in individual semi-structured interviews after 3 months. A qualitative design was used and thematic analysis was employed aiming to capture participants’ experiences when engaging with the EPIO intervention program. Results:Findings identifying program-related experiences and engagement were organized into three main topics, each with three sub-themes: (1) Engaging with EPIO; motivation to learn, fostering joy and enthusiasm, and helpful reminders and personalization, (2) Coping with pain in everyday life; awareness, practice and using EPIO, and (3) The value of engaging with the EPIO program; EPIO – a friend, making peace with the presence of pain, and fostering communication and social support. Conclusions: The current study explored participants’ experiences and engagement with EPIO, a digital self-management intervention program for people living with chronic pain. Findings highlighted identifying valued aspects related to motivation for engagement, incorporating content in support of daily coping, and encouraging a sense of acceptance and relatedness as vital components for facilitating program engagement.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03705104; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03705104

One size does not fit all: Participants’ experiences of the selfBACK app to support self-management of low back pain—a qualitative interview study

“…We found that participants with pre-existing positive self-management beliefs more often positively appraised the content of the app and used it more. Previous studies have similarly shown that users of eHealth interventions for chronic pain [14] and mental health programs [38] who can see the benefits of self-management programs have increased engagement. The interview participants implemented selfBACK variably, but 52% (n = 86/165) of the eligible participants had 13 or 14 plans, which was reflected in this study's sample.…”

“…According to Dwarswaard et al, several factors influence how people build self-confidence and become empowered [44], and ultimately, stay engaged with a self-management program. The need for professional psychosocial support is key to building self-confidence and becoming empowered [14,23,41,42,46], and could explain why some of the selfBACK participants wanted more follow-up from their HCP. Typically, these participants did not experience an effect on pain and did not report much satisfaction, had few plans generated, and reported many barriers that limited their engagement, but mostly felt that their HCP was superior to using the app.…”

“…Evidence-based self-management tailored to the individual needs and abilities of patients is recommended [6][7][8][9][10] as a first-line treatment strategy for nonspecific LBP. The self-management strategies should include providing patients with information about the condition, and advice to stay physically active including regular exercise sessions [6,[11][12][13][14]. A notable barrier to participating in community-based self-management programs is the logistic challenge of accessibility [15][16][17].…”

Preparation of Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanomaterials Loaded with Toosendanin-Fumaracetin and its Anti-Peripheral Pain Study

“…Historically,the former president of the American Pain Society,James Campbell,introduced the idea of "Pain as the 5th Vital Sign" (P5VS) in 1996. Pain can impact physical, emotional and social functioning for the individuals living with pain, often resulting in significant personal and societal burden [1,2]. Opioids have obvious analgesic effect and have central and peripheral analgesic effects.…”