Acceptability of the combined online interactive mindfulness and exercise programme (MOVE-Online) for adults with chronic pain - A qualitative study

PurposeThe aim of this qualitative study was to utilise the recent Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) to explore participants' acceptability of the mindfulness and exercise interventions in the MOVE-Online pain management programme (PMP) and the programmes' online delivery method.MethodsOnline focus groups were carried out following the completion of the PMP. The data were analysed using template analysis in terms of the seven TFA constructs of acceptability [(i) Perceived Effectiveness, (ii) Affective Attitude, (iii) Self-Efficacy, (iv) Ethicality, (v) Burden, (vi) Opportunity Costs and (vii) Intervention Coherence].ResultsTwenty-one participants took part in the focus groups. Five of the seven TFA constructs of acceptability were identified in the analysis. The participants perceived the intervention to have been effective at achieving the goals of the PMP (TFA construct: (i) Perceived Effectiveness), to have supported their emotional management ((ii) Affective Attitude), promoted long term self-directed engagement ((iii) Self-Efficacy), fostered a valued group environment ((iv) Ethicality) and the online delivery of the programme reduced the physical burden associated with participation at an in-person PMP ((v) Burden).ConclusionThe results of the study supports the utility of the TFA as a tool to explore the multi-dimensional construct of acceptability for the participants in the MOVE-Online programme. This investigation contributes to the understanding of acceptability as a complex multidimensional construct and emphasises the importance of considering the multiple dimensions when evaluating participants interpretations of novel complex interventions.Results suggest that participants found a pain management programme delivered in a live, online, interactive format to be acceptable, and it may be useful for rehabilitation professionals as an option for chronic pain management.