Roadmap to the ‘Chronic Pain GPS for Adolescents’ Intervention

Abstract

Objectives: A biopsychosocial approach to understand and treat pain is crucial; however, there are limited socially-targeted interventions for adolescents with chronic pain. Peer support interventions implemented with other populations are associated with positive outcomes. Adolescents with chronic pain perceive peer support to have high potential value. This study explored the preferences of adolescents with chronic pain regarding the content and design of a group peer support intervention. Methods: Fourteen adolescents with chronic pain (Mage: 15.21 y; 9 females; 3 males, 1 non-binary, 1 gender questioning) completed a virtual interview and survey. Interviews were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis and surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Adolescents described how they want to both talk and do activities together within a fun and casual environment with a facilitator present - ideally someone with lived experience of chronic pain. Preferences were for a medium sized group intervention that was in-person, at a consistent time on a weekday after school, and semi-structured. Barriers to attending and engaging in the potential group peer intervention were also discussed. Discussion: Adolescents with chronic pain desire a facilitated socially-focused intervention that provides them with the opportunity to spend time with other adolescents with chronic pain. A group peer support environment where adolescents with chronic pain can provide and receive peer support through sharing their experiences with others who understand them as well as engage in activities was described. The findings from this study provide insights for the development of a group peer support intervention.