Design of a Health Education Program to Manage Chronic Neck Pain: Protocol for a Development Study

Abstract

BackgroundChronic neck pain (CNP) needs attention to its physical, cognitive, and social dimensions. ObjectiveWe aimed to design a health education program (HEP) with a biopsychosocial approach for patients with CNP. MethodsA literature search on CNP, health education, and biopsychosocial models was carried out. Seven physiotherapists with expertise in HEPs and chronic pain participated in three teams that evaluated the literature and prepared a synthesis document in relation to the three target topics. Experts compiled the information obtained and prepared a proposal for an HEP with a biopsychosocial approach aimed at patients with CNP. This proposal was tested in the physiotherapy units of primary care health centers belonging to the East Assistance Directorate of Madrid, and suggestions were included in the final program. ResultsThe HEP for CNP with a biopsychosocial approach consists of 5 educational sessions lasting between 90 and 120 minutes, carried out every other day. Cognitive, emotional, and physical dimensions were addressed in all sessions, with particular attention to the psychosocial factors associated with people who have CNP. ConclusionsThe proposed HEP with a biopsychosocial approach emphasizes emotional management, especially stress, without neglecting the importance of physical and recreational exercises for the individual’s return to social activities. The objective of this program was to achieve a clinically relevant reduction in perceived pain intensity and functional disability as well as an improvement in quality of life in the short and medium term. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02703506; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02703506 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/56632