Power over pain - An interprofessional approach to chronic pain: Program feedback from a medically underserved...

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Qualitative Research
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Chronic pain management is complex, particularly for underserved populations facing socioeconomic and racial challenges.
• Biopsychosocial models advocate interprofessional care, yet participant experiences in these programs remain under-documented.
• Medically underserved individuals often experience compounded stressors impacting chronic pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of Black participants with low socioeconomic status in an interprofessional chronic pain management program.
• To understand the perceived benefits of the Power over Pain program on participants' health and pain management.
• To investigate the impact of an interprofessional approach on individuals with chronic pain and psychosocial stressors.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized thematic analysis, a qualitative research method.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants in the Power over Pain program.
• Interviews focused on the program's influence on participants' health, wellbeing, and chronic pain management.

Main Results:

• Participants reported a shift from feeling "stuck" to feeling empowered.
• Enhanced understanding of chronic pain led to cognitive reframing and reduced stigma.
• Participants acquired new pain management strategies and benefited from social support.

Conclusions:

• The Power over Pain program demonstrates potential for improving self-management in medically underserved populations.
• Interprofessional pain management can empower individuals facing chronic pain and socioeconomic barriers.
• Findings suggest the program effectively addresses the multifaceted needs of participants with chronic pain.