“Focus on the Good” - Participant Perspectives after Engaging in an Online Pain Self-Management Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate participants’ perspectives after engaging in an 8-week online pain self-management program. Unexplored qualitative data for this analysis were collected via secure online surveys distributed during a previously published randomized controlled trial. Participants for the present study were 55 adults prescribed opioid medicines for chronic pain. A qualitative descriptive approach using content analysis methods was used to analyze data obtained from three open-ended survey questions. Five common themes were identified from participant responses regarding online participation. Three themes described the benefits of the program and included: positive reframing, improved accountability, and feeling supported. Two themes described how participants would like to improve the program experience and included: desire for personalizing and ease of use. Participants’ insights regarding perceived benefits and limitations can assist health care providers in understanding how online programs may assist in chronic disease self-management for a multitude of health problems. \ \