Internet-based Therapy for Chronic Pain Management

This study focuses on using internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (IACT) as a supplementary treatment for people suffering from chronic pain. It aims to understand the expectations and experiences of these individuals before, during, and after participating in this therapy. Chronic pain affects about 20% of the population, and while internet-delivered therapies have shown promise, there's still much to learn about how well they meet patient needs and expectations. By exploring these aspects, the study hopes to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of psychological treatments for chronic pain, especially for those who might face challenges accessing traditional in-person therapy. Participants in the study will undergo IACT, which involves seven therapy modules completed over seven weeks. Each participant will be interviewed three times: before starting the therapy, during the treatment, and after completing it. These interviews aim to gather insights into their expectations and experiences. The collected data will be analyzed to identify common themes, which could help tailor future IACT programs to better suit patient needs. The results are expected to improve understanding of how patient expectations impact treatment outcomes, potentially leading to more personalized and effective chronic pain management strategies.