JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Sick-leave and decreased ability to work are consequences of chronic pain. Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs (IPRP) aim to improve health-related quality of life and participation in work activities although implementing strategies at work after IPRP can be difficult. The employers’ knowledge about pain and the role of rehabilitation need to be strengthened. Self-management of chronic pain can be improved with e-health interventions. However, these interventions do not involve communicating with employers to improve work participation. To address this deficiency, a new e-health intervention – Sustainable WorkEr digital support for Patients with chronic Pain and their Employers (SWEPPE) – was developed.

Objective:

This study describes patients with chronic pain and their employers’ acceptability of SWEPPE after IPRP.

Methods:

This study included eleven patients and four employers who were recruited to test SWEPPE in daily life for three months after IPRP. Data were collected using individual interviews at the end of the three-month test period and questionnaires were completed when SWEPPE was introduced (Q1) and at a three-month follow-up (Q2). Data were also collected on how often SWEPPE was used. Qualitative data were analysed with qualitative content analysis using deductive and inductive approaches. The framework for the deductive approach was the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA) developed by Sekhon et al. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics and the differences between Q1 and Q2 with Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results:

Both patients and employers described that SWEPPE increased their knowledge and understanding of how to improve work participation and helped them identify goals, barriers, and strategies for return to work. In addition, participants noted that SWEPPE improved employer-employee communication and collaboration. However, experiences and ratings varied between participants and between different SWEPPE modules. Acceptability of SWEPPE was lower for patients who experienced significant pain and fatigue. High degree of flexibility and choice of ratings in SWEPPE were generally described as helpful.

Conclusions:

This study shows promising results on user acceptability of SWEPPE from both a patient and employer perspective. However, the variations between patients and modules indicate a need of further testing and research to refine the content and to identify the group of patients who will best benefit from SWEPPE.