Unpublished PhD thesis, Swansea University, 2020/01, 478. doi: 10.23889/Suthesis.54524, type of study: ,mms,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54524)

Keywords:

acceptance [12]
behavioral therapy [9]
chronic pain [323]
intervention [32]
mixed method study [114]
psychosocial [62]

Abstract:

Background: Persistent pain represents a significant burden for individuals and society, exerting a profound effect on quality of life and posing a significant strain on healthcare resources. Novel interventions are needed to reduce the impact of psychological comorbidities on people who live with pain but also to improve pain self-management, enhance people’s quality of life, and help them live a fulfilling life in the presence of pain. Aims: The aim of this research was to develop a novel psychosocial intervention to accompany osteopathic treatment for people from Southwest Wales who live with persistent pain and psychological comorbidities. The MRC framework for developing complex health interventions (Craig et al. 2000, 2008) guided the development of this intervention. Methods: A pragmatic approach that included a mixture of methods and procedures was chosen. The first phase consisted of conducting two qualitative studies to determine the needs and experiences of people living with persistent pain as well as the perspectives of osteopaths who treat them. A systematic review was conducted alongside to investigate the effects of osteopathic treatment on psychosocial factors in people living with persistent pain. The second phase consisted of utilizing the data from the first phase to inform the development of the novel intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles. Focus groups and one-to-one interviews were the preferred data collection methods while data analysis was carried out using Thematic Analysis (TA) and Framework Analysis (FA). Findings: The intervention appeared to be feasible with the support of the osteopaths. The intervention was found acceptable and no barriers to participation were reported. Program attendance was 82.5% and the participants engaged well with the exercises and with the ACT model in general. At one-month follow up, the participants reported that they continued to practice mindfulness, and continued to apply their knowledge of ACT to their personal circumstances. Conclusion: Delivering a brief ACT-based intervention for people living with persistent pain was feasible and acceptable. All of the nine participants reported positive experiences. The collaboration between osteopaths and psychologists in supporting people who live with persistent pain demonstrates both innovation and potential and should be further explored in the future.