The development and impact of a chronic pain support group: A qualitative and quantitative study

To study the process of establishment, and evaluate the outcome of particip ation, in a self-help, support group for people with chronic nonmalignant p ain, members of a newly-established, consumer-led group participated in two interviews 5 months apart and a researcher observed group meetings. Partic ipants reported significant benefits from participating in the group. They had a significant increase in functional ability and activity, and reported decreased recourse to health professionals, particularly family! physician s. This study indicates that pain support groups can play a valuable role f or people in pain, assisting with support and rehabilitation, and meeting n eeds that health professionals are often not appropriate or able to provide . (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 1999.