Adapting a Smartphone-Based Auricular Point Acupressure Self-Management Program for Rural Chronic Musculoskeletal...

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Digital Health
• Rural Health

Background:

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain disproportionately affects rural populations with limited access to interventions.
• Auricular Point Acupressure (APA) is a non-invasive, needle-free pain management technique.
• Existing smartphone-based APA self-management (APA-SM) programs require optimization for rural contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore rural partners' perspectives on adapting a smartphone-based APA-SM program.
• To refine the APA-SM program for rural adults, identify barriers, and understand workflows.
• To identify strategies for integrating APA-SM into rural pain care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing six semistructured focus group interviews with 24 purposively selected participants.
• Data analyzed thematically using an inductive approach.
• Study conducted across South Carolina and Texas.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: building trust and providing incentives, communicating APA's value and support, ensuring accessibility and usability, and fostering healthcare partnerships.
• Participants emphasized the need for well-trained staff and tailored educational materials.
• Addressing technology gaps and communication needs is crucial for rural implementation.

Conclusions:

• Findings offer practical guidance for adapting APA-SM programs to rural needs, barriers, and care contexts.
• Successful implementation requires community engagement, clear communication, and strategic partnerships.
• Optimizing digital health interventions is key to improving rural pain management access.