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“Pacing does help you get your life back”: The acceptability of a newly developed activity pacing framework for chronic pain/fatigue

Antcliff, Deborah; Keenan, Anne‐Maree; Woby, Steve; Keeley, Philip; McGowan, Linda

“Pacing does help you get your life back”: The acceptability of a newly developed activity pacing framework for chronic pain/fatigue Thumbnail


Authors

Anne‐Maree Keenan

Steve Woby

Philip Keeley

Linda McGowan



Abstract

Objectives
We have developed and feasibility tested an activity pacing framework for clinicians to standardise their recommendations of activity pacing to patients with chronic pain/fatigue. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and fidelity to this framework in preparation for a future trial of activity pacing.
Design
Acceptability and fidelity were explored using semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

Participants
Patients who attended a rehabilitation programme for chronic pain/fatigue underpinned by the framework, and clinicians (physiotherapists and psychological wellbeing practitioners) who led the programmes.

Results
Seventeen interviews were conducted, involving 12 patients with chronic pain/fatigue and five clinicians. The framework analysis revealed four deductive themes: (1) Acceptability of the activity pacing framework, (2) Acceptability of the feasibility study methods, (3) Processes of change and (4) Barriers and facilitators to activity pacing; and one inductive theme: (5) Perspectives of patients and clinicians.

Conclusions
The activity pacing framework appeared acceptable to patients and clinicians, and adherence to the framework was demonstrated. Processes of behaviour change included patients' regulation of activities through activity pacing. Barriers to pacing included work/social commitments and facilitators included identifying the benefits of pacing on symptoms. Different perspectives emerged between clinicians and patients regarding interpretations of symptom‐contingent and quota‐contingent strategies. The framework recognises fluctuations in symptoms of chronic pain/fatigue and encourages a quota‐contingent approach with flexibility. Future work will develop a patient friendly guide ahead of a clinical trial to explore the effects of pacing.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 31, 2021
Online Publication Date May 6, 2021
Publication Date May 6, 2021
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Musculoskeletal Care
Print ISSN 1478-2189
Publisher Wiley
Volume 20
Issue 1
Pages 99-110
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1557
Keywords Nursing (miscellaneous), Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Chiropractics, Rheumatology
Publisher URL https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/msc.1557