Multicomponent self-management intervention for cancer patients with pain: A pilot randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a multicomponent mHealth-supported self-management intervention for cancer patients with pain.

METHODS

This pilot study used a prospective, single-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial design. 24 Participants were randomized into an intervention group, receiving a four-session multicomponent self-management intervention based on the information-motivation-behavioural skills model and PainManager app, or a control group with usual care. Feasibility was assessed using eligibility, enrolment, intervention completion and attrition rates. Acceptability was measured using a satisfaction questionnaire and semi-structure interview. Preliminary effects were evaluated on pain intensity, self-efficacy, QoL, pain-related knowledge, and medication adherence at baseline, post-intervention, and four weeks after the intervention.

RESULTS

Twenty-three participants completed the study, showing high feasibility (95.8 % retention). Preliminary analysis showed small effects on pain intensity (Hedge's g = -0.164), self-efficacy (Hedge's g = -0.259), QoL (Hedge's g = -0.043), and pain knowledge (Hedge's g = -0.199) but a moderate positive effect on medication adherence (Hedge's g = 0.484). All participants satisfied with the multicomponent self-management intervention and the PainManager app. The qualitative analysis of interviews with 10 participants revealed three themes, including the PainManager app's convenience and benefits for users, satisfaction with medical staff involvement, and challenges in completing questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability of the multicomponent self-management intervention, with improvements in medication adherence. The limited impact on pain intensity and other outcomes indicates the need for larger scale study to validate these findings and investigate the long-term effects of the intervention.