A literature-based intervention for people with chronic pain

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the impact of a literature-based intervention – The Reader Organisation's “Get into Reading (GIR)” shared read-aloud model – on people with chronic pain in a clinical setting. Methods: A mixed methodology approach was used. Quantitative self-report measures tested the effect of GIR on participants’ psychological symptoms and function before, during and after the reading group. Qualitative individual interviews and a focus group explored participants’ experience of GIR. Results: Three key themes emerged from the data: the value of the literature read in terms of quality and diversity, and in terms of promoting absorbed concentration and “flow”; a sense of shared community; improvement in mood, function and quality of life. Conclusions: The study has demonstrated that GIR can have a positive impact on the lives of people suffering chronic pain, which may help to alleviate some features of the condition with minimum risk of side effects.

Keywords:

• reading therapy
• chronic pain
• literary reading for health
• arts in health

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all participants who took part in the study for their commitment and their willingness to engage with both the reading group and the research process. Thanks are also due to: The Reader Organisation for taking part in the study; Professor Martin Leuwer, at the Royal Liverpool NHS Trust Hospital and University of Liverpool, for inviting the study; Mersey Care NHS Trust for helping to fund delivery of the intervention and Liverpool Angina Management Programme, for use of a room.

Additional information

Funding

We are grateful for the funding and support of the University of Liverpool, Department of Culture, Media and Sport and The Public Engagement Foundation.