Mapping Out a Group Peer Support Program for Adolescents with Chronic Pain: Speaking to the Experts

Youth with chronic pain often experience impairments in social functioning; however, research is limited on social treatments targeting connectedness. Previously, adolescents with chronic pain voiced a need for group peer support (GPS) and broadly outlined what they believe is needed in a GPS program. GPS literature gaps remain including: 1) what other important key interest-holders perceive is needed and 2) feedback on a specific/proposed program (vs. what is needed in general). We obtained the perspectives of adolescents with chronic pain, caregivers, and healthcare professionals regarding two proposed formats (i.e., in-person and virtual) of a GPS program. Data were collected through semi-structured virtual interviews and analyzed using deductive and then inductive content analysis. Participants (N = 25; 9 adolescents with chronic pain, 7 caregivers, 9 healthcare professionals) felt positively about the GPS program overall, especially its focus on building social connections, and emphasized how such a patient-oriented program would fill a gap. There were minimal aspects of the proposed program's content and design that were seen as unfavorable; most recommendations focused on improvements to support connection building and the comfort of adolescents. Most participants preferred an in-person GPS program. Study findings provide insights from key interest-holders that will inform the refinement of a GPS program prior to piloting. Ultimately, creating and evaluating a GPS program for adolescents with chronic pain would provide evidence on socially-targeted treatments with the potential to improve the quality of life of adolescents with chronic pain. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the perspectives of youth, caregivers, and clinicians about what is needed in a group peer support program to help adolescents with chronic pain feel less alone in their experiences and develop friendships. This program's intentional, patient-centered, design could help to fill a gap in the social needs of adolescents with chronic pain.