A patient-informed qualitative evaluation of an online chronic pain treatment for military, police and Veterans

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY In this study, members and Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces were asked about their experiences with an online chronic pain treatment that had been specifically tailored to this population, as well as to members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The purpose was to learn what participants in the treatment program liked and disliked about the program itself and the changes they would suggest to improve the program. The authors learned that despite the effort to tailor the treatment to this population, the voices of actual members of the population needed to be heard to truly tailor the program to their needs. The study provides insight into ways to refine the program to better match the unique characteristics of this population, their special connection to each other, and their individual differences. A revised version of the chronic pain program is being developed based on this feedback.