Multicomponent interdisciplinary group intervention for self-management of fibromyalgia: a mixed-methods randomized...

Area of Science:

• Fibromyalgia research
• Interdisciplinary group interventions
• Self-management strategies

Background:

• Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition requiring effective management strategies.
• The PASSAGE Program is a structured, multicomponent, interdisciplinary group intervention designed for FMS self-management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the PASSAGE Program for FMS self-management.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on pain intensity, fibromyalgia severity, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the intervention (INT) group to a waitlist (WL) control group.
• Data collection at baseline (T0), end of intervention (T1), and 3-month follow-up (T2).
• Primary outcome: change in pain intensity; Secondary outcomes: various patient-reported measures including Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC).

Main Results:

• The PASSAGE Program significantly improved Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) measures for pain, functioning, and quality of life compared to the waitlist group.
• These improvements were sustained at 3-month follow-up.
• A higher proportion of patients in the intervention group reported significant pain relief (≥50%) at both T1 and T2.
• Qualitative data supported the quantitative findings on intervention efficacy.
• No significant improvements were observed in the primary outcome (pain intensity) or other secondary outcome measures.

Conclusions:

• The PASSAGE Program effectively enhanced FMS patients' perceived control over their symptoms.
• Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) measures appear valuable for capturing patient experiences in FMS clinical trials.