‘I think there is nothing.. that is really comprehensive’: healthcare professionals’ views on recommending online resources for pain self-management

Abstract

Objectives: To explore healthcare professionals’ views on, and attitudes, towards recommending online resources for persistent pain self-management. Methods: This study was the qualitative phase of a two-phase mixed method study. Thirty-one New Zealand health professionals involved in the management of persistent pain were interviewed via focus groups and individual interviews. Data were analysed using the general inductive approach. Results: The major themes were as follows: (1) risks and limits of online information outweigh benefits, (2) a blended model, of online resources with healthcare professional support, could work, (3) only trustworthy resources can be recommended, (4) need for personalisation and (5) perceived barriers to adoption. Conclusion: Online resources were perceived as a useful adjunct to support pain self-management; however, due to potential risks of misinterpretation and misinformation, healthcare professionals proposed a ‘blended model’ where curated online resources introduced during face-to-face consultations could be used to support self-management. Participants needed ‘trustworthy online resources’ that provide evidence-based, updated information that is personalised to clients’ health literacy and cultural beliefs. Practice implications: Training for healthcare professionals on critical appraisal of online resources or curation of evidence-based online resources could increase recommendation of online resources to support pain self-management as an adjunct to in-person care.