Development of Feeling Better: A web-based pain management programme for children with chronic pain and their parents.

• ¹ National University of Ireland Galway, School of Psychology, Ireland
• ² National University of Ireland Galway, Centre for Pain Research, Ireland

Background: Barriers to uptake of psychological treatment for chronic pain management include access and resource issues. Technology-based interventions for pain management are a more accessible treatment approach. The internet can be an effective mode of delivery of psychological treatment for chronic conditions. Research in this area has largely focused on adolescents with chronic pain. Little is known about the acceptability of technology-based delivery of psychological treatment for early school age children with chronic pain Aim(s): The aim of this study is to create an evidence-based, theoretically informed online intervention (Feeling Better) designed to enhance adaptive coping in children with chronic pain and their parents or carers. We describe our experience of using a systematic approach to the development of a complex, web-based intervention which aims to improve symptoms and physical functioning in children with chronic pain by modifying pain related beliefs and coping strategies. Method(s): The intervention development process included: (1) a systematic review of empirical literature which focused on the efficacy of information and communication technology-based delivery of psychological treatment for chronic pain in children; (2) selection of a theoretical framework and behaviour change techniques that demonstrate evidence of effectiveness in improving coping behaviours including pain related beliefs, pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy for managing pain (3) development of intervention prototype materials for user testing (4) a qualitative study using a participative research process approach to engage children with chronic pain and their parents in the generation, analysis and interpretation of responses to questions on support needs, coping preferences and the acceptability of technology-based treatment (5) refinement of prototype materials and a second phase of user testing to obtain end-user and expert feedback on programme adaptation and (6) development of the final intervention. Results: Key stakeholders made a significant contribution in each phase of intervention development and user testing. This was an iterative process which resulted in the final intervention. The Feeling Better intervention has eight sessions and includes an introduction to chronic pain, goal setting, relaxation training, exercise and activity pacing. Sessions are designed to cover areas of pain management which were identified as most challenging and most important to stakeholders Conclusions: It is feasible to create an evidence-based and theory driven online self-management intervention to support children with chronic pain and their parents. Service users can be involved in the design and conduct of research in a meaningful way. An exploratory trial to test the feasibility of acceptability of Feeling Better is underway.