Virtual care exercise interventions in multidisciplinary chronic pain clinics: a qualitative study of perspectives of adults living with chronic pain

Abstract

Purpose

Chronic pain affects 1 in 4 Canadians and is a leading contributor of disability. Although virtual care has become more prevalent, it is unclear how adults living with chronic pain perceive virtual delivery of exercise interventions within multidisciplinary chronic pain clinics (MCPC). This study explores the perspectives of adults living with chronic pain regarding their perceived barriers and facilitators and recommendations when implementing virtual care exercise interventions within MCPCs.

Methods

We conducted an interpretive description qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with adults (age ≥18 years) living with chronic pain from a MCPC in Toronto, Canada, between March 1 and April 30, 2021.

Results

We completed fifteen (N = 15) interviews of adults living with chronic pain. We identified eight themes that addressed the study objectives: 1) virtual care supplements in-person care, 2) virtual care improves accessibility, 3) impact of technology on participation, 4) navigating the home environment, 5) impact of pain on participation, 6) impact of supervision and feedback, 7) the need for tailored care, and 8) the need for preparation and additional support.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that adults living with chronic pain view virtual care exercise interventions positively however, the implementation of these interventions must be carefully considered within MCPCs. Specifically, virtual care was considered an excellent adjunct to in-person care but should not replace it completely.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Chronic pain is a leading contributor of disability.

• Exercise interventions are recommended component of comprehensive pain management.

• Virtual delivery of exercise interventions are becoming more prevalent.

• Adults living with chronic pain view virtual care exercise interventions positively as they can supplement in-person care and improve access to this type of care.

Keywords:

• Chronic pain
• virtual care
• physiotherapy
• exercise
• multidisciplinary chronic pain clinic

Acknowledgements

This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an MScPT degree at the University of Toronto. The authors would like to thank the participants who volunteered their time to participate in this important research. Kyle Vader acknowledges support from a Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-D) from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Funding Reference # GSD-157891), PhD Salary Award from the Arthritis Society (Award # 21-0000000089), Trainee Research Award (Clinical Science) from the Canadian Pain Society, and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science & Technology.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).