Cecilie Varsi1,2, Ingrid Konstanse Ledel Solem3,4, Hilde Eide3,5, Elin Børøsund3, Olöf B Kristjansdottir3,6, Karina Heldal7, Lori B Waxenberg8, Karen E Weiss9, Karlein M G Schreurs10, Eleshia J Morrison11, Audun Stubhaug4,12, Lise Solberg Nes3,4,11. 1. Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb 4950 Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway. cecilie.varsi@usn.no. 2. Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway. cecilie.varsi@usn.no. 3. Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb 4950 Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway. 4. Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. 5. Science Centre Health and Technology, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway. 6. Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Learning and Mastery in Health, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. 7. Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Bjørnemyr, Norway. 8. Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. 9. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. 10. Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands. 11. Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. 12. Department of Pain Management and Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic pain constitutes a significant burden for the individuals affected, and is a frequent reason why patients seek health care services. While in-person psychosocial interventions can be of support to people living with chronic pain, such interventions are not always accessible. eHealth interventions may provide greater accessibility, but the evidence and use of digital self-management solutions for chronic pain are still limited and the lack of health care provider input in the development process of such solutions a concern. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate health care providers' experiences of treating patients with chronic pain, their attitudes towards, and use of, digital solutions in pain management, and their suggestions for content and design elements for a potential digital pain self-management intervention. METHODS: Twelve health care providers representing a variety of health care disciplines participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The material was analyzed into three main themes: [1] Patients with chronic pain and their current use of the health care services, [2] Health care providers' own motivation and impression of patient prerequisites for use of digital self-management interventions, and [3] Suggestions for content and design elements in a digital self-management intervention for people living with chronic pain. The challenges faced by patients living with chronic pain were described as numerous. Despite interest and positive attitudes, few of the health care providers had used or recommended eHealth solutions to their patients. A range of potential content and functionality elements were identified, including aspects of motivation and engagement and providers also emphasized the importance of easy access and positive, personal content to support existing treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers insights into health care providers' considerations for the potential of digital self-management interventions supporting patients living with chronic pain. Findings indicate the need for change and a more comprehensive treatment approach to pain management. eHealth solutions may contribute to such change, and providers pointed to a need for health care provider involvement, timely support and follow-up as important factors for integrating digital pain self-management interventions into clinical care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03705104.
BACKGROUND: Chronic pain constitutes a significant burden for the individuals affected, and is a frequent reason why patients seek health care services. While in-person psychosocial interventions can be of support to people living with chronic pain, such interventions are not always accessible. eHealth interventions may provide greater accessibility, but the evidence and use of digital self-management solutions for chronic pain are still limited and the lack of health care provider input in the development process of such solutions a concern. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate health care providers' experiences of treating patients with chronic pain, their attitudes towards, and use of, digital solutions in pain management, and their suggestions for content and design elements for a potential digital pain self-management intervention. METHODS: Twelve health care providers representing a variety of health care disciplines participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The material was analyzed into three main themes: [1] Patients with chronic pain and their current use of the health care services, [2] Health care providers' own motivation and impression of patient prerequisites for use of digital self-management interventions, and [3] Suggestions for content and design elements in a digital self-management intervention for people living with chronic pain. The challenges faced by patients living with chronic pain were described as numerous. Despite interest and positive attitudes, few of the health care providers had used or recommended eHealth solutions to their patients. A range of potential content and functionality elements were identified, including aspects of motivation and engagement and providers also emphasized the importance of easy access and positive, personal content to support existing treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers insights into health care providers' considerations for the potential of digital self-management interventions supporting patients living with chronic pain. Findings indicate the need for change and a more comprehensive treatment approach to pain management. eHealth solutions may contribute to such change, and providers pointed to a need for health care provider involvement, timely support and follow-up as important factors for integrating digital pain self-management interventions into clinical care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03705104.
Entities:
Keywords:
Chronic pain; Health personnel; Health services; Qualitative research; Telemedicine; eHealth
Authors: Ingrid Konstanse Ledel Solem; Cecilie Varsi; Hilde Eide; Olöf Birna Kristjansdottir; Jelena Mirkovic; Elin Børøsund; Mette Haaland-Øverby; Karina Heldal; Karlein Mg Schreurs; Lori B Waxenberg; Karen Elizabeth Weiss; Eleshia J Morrison; Lise Solberg Nes Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2019-04-01 Impact factor: 5.428
Authors: Simon E Thurnheer; Isaac Gravestock; Giuseppe Pichierri; Johann Steurer; Jakob M Burgstaller Journal: JMIR Mhealth Uhealth Date: 2018-10-22 Impact factor: 4.773
Authors: Katrine Bostrøm; Cecilie Varsi; Hilde Eide; Elin Børøsund; Ólöf B Kristjansdottir; Karlein M G Schreurs; Lori B Waxenberg; Karen E Weiss; Eleshia J Morrison; Elise Flakk Nordang; Audun Stubhaug; Lise Solberg Nes Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2022-04-29 Impact factor: 2.908