Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex long‐term condition associated with pain, fatigue and concentration difficulties. There is limited robust evidence for the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for FM, with current guidelines recommending nonpharmacological interventions. The clinically developed Fibromyalgia Self‐Management Programme (FSMP) is a nonpharmacological, multidisciplinary education group intervention. The FSMP aims to provide condition‐specific, patient‐centred education and exercise advice, supporting the development of core self‐management skills. This research aimed to map the FSMP to a recommended behaviour change taxonomy (BCT). Methods Non‐participatory observations of the 4‐ and 6‐week FSMP were conducted. Detailed notes on the content of the course, therapist delivery and any additional content not included in the manual were recorded. Subsequently, semistructured interviews were conducted with both therapists (n = 4) and patients (n = 9). Observation and a review of the FSMP manual data were deductively coded to the BCT. Interview data were added to the framework. Results The review of the FSMP manual and observations of the course showed that the programme coded onto 12 of the 16 BCT domains, encompassing 22 behaviour change techniques. Both patient and therapist interviews indicated that patients made positive changes, including increased activity levels, pacing, better quality sleep and improved communication with family members. Patients reported improvements to symptoms as a result of attending the course. Conclusions The FSMP utilises a range of behaviour change techniques. Patients who attend the course feel supported to make changes to their behaviour, enabling them to manage their symptoms more effectively.

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Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex long‐term condition associated with chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, memory and concentration difficulties and irritable bowel syndrome. Current guidelines for the treatment of FM recommend nonpharmacological interventions. The Fibromyalgia Self‐Management Programme (FSMP) is a nonpharmacological, multidisciplinary exercise and education group intervention. It aims to provide education and teach core skills, enabling those affected by FM to self‐manage. The FSMP is currently codelivered by a multidisciplinary team within a secondary care service. The aim of this feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to determine the practicality and acceptability of delivering the FSMP in a community setting, informing a future RCT of effectiveness. Methods The feasibility RCT aims to recruit 70 people with FM. Participants will be randomised to either a community FSMP or control arm. All participants will be asked to complete six patient‐reported outcome measures and one health economics questionnaire on three occasions; baseline, 6 weeks (end of the intervention) and 6 months. Between 12 and 16 participants and four therapists delivering the FSMP will be invited to take part in a semi‐structured interview to explore their experiences of the FSMP. Patient participants will be purposively selected based upon key characteristics. Analysis Quantitative data will be analysed descriptively to summarise recruitment and attendance, participant reported outcomes and health economic data. Semi‐structured interviews will be transcribed, anonymised and inductively coded. The codes will be grouped into categories and theoretically thematically analysed, comparing the results to existing literature. Trial registration The trial is registered with ISRCTN registry and was assigned on 29th of April 2020. The registration number is ISRCTN10824225.