Background & Aims

Digital transformation and integration of electronic health (eHealth) solutions into chronic pain management faces significant challenges that have not yet been met [1,7]. To realize the potential of eHealth solutions there is a need to understand the challenges, needs and care processes of eHealth emerging within specific care contexts [5,6]. The objective of this study was to explore challenges, barriers, support needs, and visions experienced by patients and general practitioners (GPs) in the context of an eHealth solution designed for chronic pain management in general practice.

Methods

The study used action-research as a methodological framework [3]. We conducted two future workshops involving eight patients living with chronic pain and seven GPs with clinical experience in managing chronic pain. Through case vignettes and inspiration cards, these workshops stimulated discussions and shared knowledge construction. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, separated by the groups, and were synthesized via a matrix analysis [2,4].

Results

The analysis revealed five content summary themes: Theme 1—patients’ experience of challenges in life with pain; Theme 2— challenges in treating patients with chronic pain; Theme 3—patients’ suggestions for the structure of the eHealth solution; Theme 4—GP’ suggestions for the structure of the eHealth solution; and Theme 5—differences and similarities: Visions for an eHealth solution. The matrix analysis generated several touchpoints and tension which emerged within the patient-physician encounter, and created insights into how a digital solution could help bridge the communicative gap between GPs and patients. This included. 1) A Pain Diary feature, 2) A tool for managing modifying factors, 3) A Pain Education feature, 4) Personalized toolkit for management, 5) Information features for relatives, 6) A Contact person or a Guide.

Conclusions

This study integrated real-world insights from both patients and GPs and revealed distinct roles and challenges faced by each group in pain management. These findings address some of the key challenges and represents a significant advancement in developing personalised and innovative eHealth solutions for general practice.

References

[1] Arias López M del P, Ong BA, Borrat Frigola X, Fernández AL, Hicklent RS, Obeles AJT, Rocimo AM, Celi LA. Digital literacy as a new determinant of health: A scoping review. PLOS Digital Health 2023;2:e0000279.
[2] Averill JB. Matrix analysis as a complementary analytic strategy in qualitative inquiry. Qual Health Res 2002;12:855–66.
[3] Bradbury H, Lifvergren S. Action research healthcare: Focus on patients, improve quality, drive down costs. Healthc Manage Forum 2016;29:269–274.
[4] Braun V, Clarke V. Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qual Res Sport Exerc Health 2019;11:589–597.
[5] Evenepoel M, Van Dijck S, Meeus M, Dams L, Haenen V, Devoogdt N, Roussel N, De Groef A. Comparison of the effectiveness of eHealth self-management interventions for pain between oncological and musculoskeletal populations: a systematic review with narrative synthesis. Scand J Pain 2023;23:433–451.
[6] Kelly M, Fullen B, Martin D, McMahon S, McVeigh JG. eHealth Interventions to Support Self-Management in People With Musculoskeletal Disorders, “eHealth: It’s TIME”—A Scoping Review. Phys Ther 2022;102:pzab307.
[7] Kickbusch I, Piselli D, Agrawal A, Balicer R, Banner O, Adelhardt M, Capobianco E, Fabian C, Singh Gill A, Lupton D, Medhora RP, Ndili N, Ry? A, Sambuli N, Settle D, Swaminathan S, Morales JV, Wolpert M, Wyckoff AW, Xue L, Bytyqi A, Franz C, Gray W, Holly L, Neumann M, Panda L, Smith RD, Georges Stevens EA, Wong BLH. The Lancet and Financial Times Commission on governing health futures 2030: growing up in a digital world. The Lancet 2021;398:1727–1776.

Presenting Author

Chris Djurtoft

Poster Authors

Chris Djurtoft

MSc

Research Unit for General Practice at Aalborg University

Lead Author

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Kristine Sørensen

Aalborg University

Lead Author

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Christian Odgaard

Aalborg University

Lead Author

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Morten Hoegh

Aalborg University

Lead Author

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Michael Skovdal Rathleff

Research Unit for General Practice at Aalborg University

Lead Author

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Simon Kristoffer Johansen

Research Unit for General Practice at Aalborg University

Lead Author

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Topics

  • Patient Engagement and Co-Creation in Research and Education