Perspectives of Adults with Pain Regarding Online Pain Self-Management Resources

Evidence-based online pain self-management resources have shown promise to enhance pain care access. However, limited information has been gathered on patient perspectives regarding pain management barriers, challenges, preferences, and needs for technology-based interventions. To address this gap, the goals of the current study were to (1) increase knowledge of the perspectives of persons with pain regarding opportunities to improve pain treatment and identify preferences for online pain self-management resources and (2) ascertain whether differences exist in the above domains for older versus younger adults. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to adults treated for pain in a northwestern state of the United States. Participants descriptively self-reported pain management challenges and treatment barriers, desired treatment outcomes, current online resource use, and preferences for online pain self-management content and tools. Inferential statistics compared responses between adults above and below 65 years of age. Respondents identified several areas where pain treatment access was lacking including evidence-based non-pharmacologic pain management modalities. The most desired online resources were customized tools, pain assessments, and feedback on progress from professionals. Overall, 70% or more of respondents rated all pain management topics and tools presented as desirable or very desirable. Younger adults identified cost and availability of pain services as greater treatment barriers when compared to older adults. Older adults found self-monitoring and symptom tracking less desirable as an online resource when compared with younger adults. Adults with pain identified many areas where online resources could be added to address gaps in pain management. Incorporating patient perspectives can result in producing resources that are tailored to the preferences and priorities of persons with pain.