Clients Perceptions of a Fibromyalgia Education/Exercise Group V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Phenomenological Exploration of the Clients Perceptions of a six week Fibromyalgia Education/Exercise Group
IRAS ID
223305
Contact name
Valerie A Ebrahimi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Chester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 2 days
Research summary
Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain disorder. The effectiveness of medication is limited and fibromyalgia proves to be a difficult condition for both patients and doctors to manage.
Research supports the use of fibromyalgia education/exercise groups (FEEGs) to promote self-management for these particular patients. The literature, however identifies a high level of attrition from such programmes (38%-87%) suggesting a significant number of patients are opting not to engage in FEEGs.
The National Service Framework for long term conditions [NSF] (Department of Health, 2005a) recommends provision of information, advice, education and support to enable individuals to become experts in their own condition management.In view of best practice guidance six-week FEEGs are regularly implemented in a large inner-city NHS Trust. In 2016 between January-June four FEEGs were completed. Ninety patients commenced the programme however only 51 (57%) completed it, identifying high attrition rates of 39 participants (43%), reflecting research findings.
No detailed explorations for the causes of attrition have been carried out for this client group. Positively, individuals who did complete FEEGs demonstrated improvements in physical functioning and self -efficacy.
The intention of this research is to:
1. Investigate the lived experience of attending FEEGs and;
2. Explore factors influencing attrition and attendence.Aim: Identify any areas for improvement to enhance the patients’ experience of attending FEEGs.
Sample: 4-6 individuals who attended either two or less FEEG sessions and 4-6 individuals who attended five or six of the FEEGs six sessions between September 2016 and March 2017.
Once written consent is obtained semi-structured interviews will be completed and audio recorded in a private office in the therapy department in RLBUHT. All data will be password protected. A thematic analysis will identify common themes within each group. The results may show how we can develop and improve FEEGs for the benefit of patients, consequently improving uptake.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
17/WS/0056
Date of REC Opinion
29 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion