Abstract
Background:Brainwave entrainment (BWE) using rhythmic visual or auditory stimulation has many potential clinical applications, including the management of chronic pain, where there is a pressing need for novel, safe and effective treatments. The aim of this study was to gain qualitative feedback on the acceptability and usability of a novel BWE smartphone application, to ensure it meets the needs and wishes of end users.Methods:Fifteen participants with chronic pain used the application at home for 4 weeks. Semi-structured telephone interviews were then carried out. A template analysis approach was used to interpret the findings, with an initial coding template structured around the constructs of a theoretical framework for assessing acceptability of healthcare interventions. Structured data analysis generated a final modified coding structure, capturing themes generated across participants’ accounts.Results:The four main themes were ‘approach to trying out the app: affective attitude and ethicality’, ‘perceived effectiveness’, ‘opportunity costs and burden’ and ‘intervention coherence and self-efficacy’. All participants were willing to engage with the technology and welcomed it as an alternative approach to medications. Participants appreciated the simplicity of design and the ability to choose between visual or auditory stimulation. All the participants felt confident in using the application.Conclusion:The findings demonstrate preliminary support for the acceptability and usability of the BWE application. This is the first qualitative study of BWE to systematically assess these issues.
Highlights
Brainwave entrainment (BWE) using rhythmic visual or auditory stimulation has many potential clinical applications, including the management of chronic pain, where there is a pressing need for novel, safe and effective treatments
The mainstay of treatment for chronic pain is with pharmacological therapies such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
We developed a technology for presenting alpha range visual and auditory stimulation integrated within a smartphone application
Summary
Brainwave entrainment (BWE) using rhythmic visual or auditory stimulation has many potential clinical applications, including the management of chronic pain, where there is a pressing need for novel, safe and effective treatments. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate preliminary support for the acceptability and usability of the BWE application. This is the first qualitative study of BWE to systematically assess these issues. Evidence for the effectiveness of long-term opioid treatment is limited and NSAIDS are not recommended for long-term use Both come with a risk of serious side effects.[9,10,11,12,13] there is a pressing need for effective, safe and accessible alternatives for the treatment of chronic pain
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