SEED PROJECT: Making interdisciplinary pain management programs more patient-centred: a qualitative study of patients' perceptions of the ENGAGE pain group

About the Project

Led by MSPRC physiotherapist Kelly Walsh, this project aims to explore the knowledge and skills people with chronic pain acquire from participating in ENGAGE, an interdisciplinary pain management program to inform more patient-centred model of pain management.

Project aims

This project aims to explore patient learnings, experiences and changes in behaviours that occur during and following an Interdisciplinary Pain Management Program (IPMP). Little is currently known about what patients actually learn from IPMPs and the impact this has on patient outcomes. Knowledge and skills acquired from participating in ENGAGE program, will inform a novel patient-centred model of pain management that identifies mechanisms of change specific to IPMPs.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes and research recommendations will support consumer-focused redesign of IPMPs, ensuring IPMPs are more responsive and relevant to consumers. These recommendations could improve patient outcomes and the utility of pain services.

Knowledge will also be disseminated to a wider audience and translated into improved clinical practice within IPMPs. This research provides a strong foundation for future studies into patient perceptions from IPMPs, how this influence outcomes, the efficacy of IPMPs incorporating pain education with acceptance and commitment therapy, and underpinning behaviour change.

Project team

Kelly Walsh, Senior Physiotherapist, Metro South Pain Rehabilitation Centre

Nicholas Aitcheson, Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine Specialist, Metro South Pain Rehabilitation Centre