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 participation, in a self-help, support group for people with chronic nonmalignant pain, members of a newly-established, consumer-led group participated in two interviews 5 months apart and a researcher observed group meetings. Participants 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! physicians. This study indicates that pain support groups can play a valuable role for people in pain, assisting with support and rehabilitation, and meeting needs that health professionals are often not appropriate or able to provide. (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 1999.