New Online Pain Management Program Offers Affordable and Accessible Support

A pioneering online pain management program has been developed to provide a more accessible and cost-effective solution for individuals suffering from persistent pain. Led by researchers from the University of Otago’s School of Physiotherapy and the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, this innovative initiative aims to break down traditional barriers to care, such as geographic limitations, long waiting times, and financial costs, which are common challenges within New Zealand's healthcare system.

Persistent pain remains a major global health issue, affecting over 20% of adults in Aotearoa New Zealand. The condition predominantly impacts Māori communities, older adults, and those living in socioeconomically deprived areas, leading to reduced quality of life and substantial personal and economic burdens.

Recognizing the need for more inclusive treatment options, the team co-created the online program, known as iSelf-help. This program involves two weekly group video sessions over 12 weeks—one with a peer support person and another with a clinician—complemented by resources available through a dedicated app and website. The program was designed with cultural considerations specific to Māori communities, incorporating their perspectives and needs.

A study published in the Journal of Pain compared the effectiveness of iSelf-help with traditional in-person pain management programs. Results indicated that the online version was not only more accessible and less expensive but also achieved similar levels of participant satisfaction. This suggests that digital solutions like iSelf-help could significantly expand access to essential pain management services.

Professor Leigh Hale emphasized that if adopted as a permanent option, this online approach could improve equity in healthcare by reaching populations that previously faced barriers to receiving care. It also marks the first incorporation of lived experience expertise into mainstream pain management, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of treatment.

The success of iSelf-help highlights the potential for combining technology and cultural competence to deliver supportive, effective, and equitable care for those living with chronic pain. With persistent pain affecting hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, expanding such innovative solutions could significantly improve health outcomes across the country.

Source: Medical Xpress