JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Few personalized, behavioral treatments are available to reduce opioid-related harm for patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP).

Objective:

We report on the second co-design phase of a digital brief intervention (BI) based on patient and health professional preferences.

Methods:

Eligible patients with CNCP (N = 18; 10 females; Mage = 49.5) from public hospital waitlists and health professionals (N = 5; 2 females; Mage = 40.2) from pain and addiction clinics completed semi-structured phone interviews or focus groups exploring on BI preferences, needs, and implementation considerations. Grounded theory was used to thematically analyse data.

Results:

From patient reports, nine suggestions related intervention content were identified: Non-pharmacological pain treatments; Personalized medication plan; Opioid use reflection and education; Biopsychosocial pain knowledge; Pain psychology education; Holistic assessment and feedback; Broader person-centered goals; Happiness and comfort goals; Varied coping skills options. Six patient suggestions related to the process and guiding principles: Therapist-guided; Engaging features; Compassionate, responsive, person-centered care; Digital solution maximizing reach; Educate and normalize system/policy challenges; Intervention engagement across settings. Finally, five themes were reflected in health professional reports: Digital health use rare but desired; Digital health useful for patient monitoring/accessing support; Patient motivation important; Digital BI app likely beneficial and at multiple care points; Safe medications use/managing pain goals. Reported barriers from health professionals were intervention intensity, potential costs, and patient responsiveness.

Conclusions:

Digital BIs are highly desired by patients with CNCP and health professionals. This co-design study identified key content areas, principles, enablers and barriers to guide development of such programs.