Effect of an easily accessible chronic pain self-management intervention in Public primary care

Introduction: Chronic pain self-management interventions may be delivered in specialised health care services or in primary health care. However, there is limited knowledge on the effect of delivering easily accessible chronic pain self-management interventions in primary care. Objectives: The objective of the project was to investigate effect of participating in a community-based chronic pain self-management intervention led by health professionals to which people could self-refer. Methods: A randomised controlled trial. The intervention group was offered a group-based self-management course with 2 ½-hour weekly sessions for 6 weeks comprising theoretical input and movement exercises. The control group was offered a weekly one-hour low impact physical activity in groups for six weeks. The primary outcome was patient activation. Secondary outcomes were included to embrace the wide impact of chronic pain. Data were collected at three, six and twelve months. Analyses were performed using a two-level linear mixed model. Results: A total of 121 participants were randomised. The intervention led to improvements in patient activation in the intervention group, and a decrease in pain that sustained throughout the follow-up period in both groups. Conclusions: Chronic pain self-management support interventions delivered in an easily accessible service can thus be valuable for people in their efforts to self-manage chronic pain.