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

Abstract

To explore healthcare professionals' views on, and attitudes, towards recommending online resources for persistent pain self-management. 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. 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. 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. 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.