What informs the choices young people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain make about their care? A qualitative analysis of focus groups with young people in Australia.

Abstract

To explore how lived and care experiences of young people (aged 16-24 years) who experience chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) influence their choices about CMP care, and <i>how</i> and <i>where</i> a digital health solution (DHS) could support their care. A cross-sectional, exploratory qualitative study involving 20 young people (16-24 years) experiencing CMP. Eight focus groups were conducted, guided by a focus group schedule. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged describing young people's experiences and CMP care choices. For each main theme we identified how a DHS could support their care: (1) "<i>Experiences of living with and managing their CMP</i>." A DHS could buffer self-care needs by providing timely support and creating a sense of community. (2) "<i>Experiences with healthcare providers and healthcare services.</i>" An app-based DHS could potentially help to coordinate CMP care and support health services navigation. (3) "<i>Young people's choices about their CMP care options</i>." DHSs can support young people prioritize their CMP care options. Understanding young people's values, alongside their care needs is critical to delivering person-centred care. A tailored DHS can value-add to young people's CMP care by helping to minimize the burden of self-care, health service navigation and interactions with healthcare providers.