A feasibility study of a co-developed, multidisciplinary, tailored intervention for chronic pain management in municipal healthcare services.

OBJECTIVES

Chronic pain represents a major public health challenge, substantially affecting daily functioning and overall well-being. While self-management strategies can be effective, they are often introduced only after pharmacological or surgical treatments have proven insufficient, highlighting the need for more personalized, accessible, and early interventions in primary care. However, the feasibility and practical implementation of such approaches remain insufficiently explored. Considering these challenges, the aims of this study were to co-create and to evaluate the feasibility of a personalized, multidisciplinary, and coordinated intervention for chronic pain management within municipal healthcare services.

METHODS

The intervention included a generic pain management course (part one) and a personalized second part offering various group-based courses. Participants (n = 70) were recruited through an orthopedic outpatient clinic and general practitioners. Individual consultations with course leaders were conducted before, during, and after the intervention. Questionnaires assessing health-related quality of life, alcohol consumption, medication use, and sleep were administered at baseline, midway, and post-intervention, along with a self-reported evaluation of the intervention after completion.

RESULTS

Among the total participants (n = 70), 81% completed Part 1 of the intervention, while 61% completed the entire intervention. At baseline, participants had a mean EQ-5D-5L score of 0.65 and an EQ-VAS score of 48.8. Regarding alcohol use, 47% were drinking once a month or less, and no participants were drinking alcohol four or more times a week. Insomnia was reported by 84%. Paracetamol was the most used daily medication (41%), followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and weak opioids (26% each). In Part 2 of the intervention, stress management courses were the most frequently selected (26%), followed closely by physical activity and body-mind activity at 23%. Most participants reported benefit, with 63% (Part 1) and 56% (Part 2) indicating good or very good benefit, and 98% would recommend it to others.

CONCLUSION

This feasibility study demonstrates the potential for addressing the complex needs of individuals with chronic pain through a personalized and multidisciplinary intervention in primary care. The high completion rates indicate feasibility and acceptability. The findings support further evaluation of resource use, implementation, and effectiveness in future controlled trials.