Experiences of a web-based nursing intervention--interviews with women with chronic musculoskeletal pain

Patients with fibromyalgia must simultaneously cope with chronic pain, emotional distress, activity avoidance and disability. The majority of fibromyalgia patients are women. New interventions using information and communications technologies such as Internet applications and smart phones can be used for text-based communications between providers and patients with chronic pain. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore female patients' experiences of participating in a 4-week web-based home intervention after in-house multidimensional rehabilitation. The framework of the intervention was inspired by mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy using daily diaries and situational feedback as tools. Interviews were made with seven women about their general experiences of participation, specific relationship with the therapist, communication, activity, emotions, and coping. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using systematic text condensation. A main result was that informants experienced this follow-up program as consciousness expanding as well as both motivating and supportive. Another main result was their reported ambivalence in relation to: (1) using web-based technology; (2) experiencing feedback as challenging but positive; and (3) experiencing relationships of trust and detachment with the therapist. Web-based nursing stimulates a "zone for reflection" that may assist in the counseling and support of patients with chronic pain. However, this is a new area of research that needs to be further explored.