This research aimed to develop guidance for setting up and delivering a peer support programme for PwCP that is based on theory, evidence, and stakeholder knowledge and experience. This included understanding the needs of PwCP and their expectations of a peer support programme, developing the programme content and methods of delivery, and identifying the training and support required by PSVs.
Intervention Mapping (IM) was used to conduct a programme development study. In preparation for data collection, patient and public involvement consultations were held to inform the design of the data collection workshops. A series of four iterative workshops with PwCP, third sector representatives, and healthcare professionals, were conducted. The findings were analysed using an approach informed by qualitative content analysis and interpreted using the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework.
The following findings were co-produced from the programme development workshops. First, the guidelines needed to provide flexible delivery options for the programme to support the capacities of both PSVs and PwCP. Second, the programme needed to include content that covered the needs of PwCP, including self-management skills, managing one’s social life and relationships, and addressing influential factors outside of chronic pain. Third, the programme needed to include support and training for the PSV to help them deliver the programme and provide peer support. The findings were collated into a draft handbook of the guidelines named the CHIPPS (CHronIc Pain Peer Support) Programme Handbook which is currently under review by the research participants.
This research produced novel, theory-, evidence-, and stakeholder-informed guidelines for a peer support programme for PwCP. It provided additional knowledge on involving the social circle of PwCP in their care and addressing the factors outside of chronic pain that impact the lives of PwCP. Further development of the CHIPPS Programme through feasibility and acceptability testing and subsequent implementation and evaluation of the guidelines is recommended.
Peer support programmes should be considered as part of a person-centred approach to supporting PwCP. After further evaluation and refinement of the CHIPPS Programme, these guidelines might be used by physiotherapists to (i) better support PwCP, (ii) develop locally contextualised programmes to support PwCP on discharge from physiotherapy, and (iii) enable PwCP to become PSVs.
Self-Management (MeSH)
Intervention Mapping (non-MeSH)
