JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is a major health issue among the old population, affecting multiple aspects of individual functioning. Recently, the use of e-Health solutions has been proposed in supporting chronic pain self-management even among older adults, although some barriers have emerged. Few qualitative studies, with none conducted in Mediterranean countries, have explored older people's experiences and perceptions regarding the types of strategies used to cope with chronic pain and e-Health tools for chronic pain management.

Objective:

This study’s objectives were to explore the perspectives and experiences of older adults regarding the coping strategies used to manage chronic pain, the use of digital technologies in everyday life, and the potentiality and barriers in using those technologies for health and pain management.

Methods:

A multimethod approach (i.e., self-report questionnaires and a semi-structured interview) has been adopted targeting older adults (i.e., age range 65-80 years old; presenting different types of CNCP) attending a Pain Therapy Center in Italy. Qualitative answers were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Overall, participants reported using a variety of pain coping strategies, yet showed an attitude of resignation to their CNCP condition. Nearly 70% of the interviewees referred to using digital technologies for purposes related to health and pain management, mostly involving very basic management activities. Participants’ opinions on the useful functions to be included in e-Health tools for chronic pain management have been categorized into four themes: i) “Specific pain self-management skills; ii) “Support in organizing various health-related aspects”; iii) “Sharing experiences with others”; iv) “Increasing pain-related personal knowledge”. Conversely, the following potential barriers in adopting e-Health tools emerged regarding: i) “Computer illiteracy”; ii) “Negative effects/risks”; iii) “Impersonal interaction”; iv) “Physical limitations”.

Conclusions:

The use of e-Health solutions still seems low, often being accompanied by a perceived lack of digital skills/attitude among an Italian sample of older adults with CNCP. Before introducing innovative e-Health solutions, it would be of primary importance to take action to enhance, on the one hand, self-efficacy in pain management and, on the other, digital literacy level among older people.