• Marianne S Matthias, Marina Kukla, Alan B McGuire, Teresa M Damush, Nabiha Gill, and Matthew J Bair.
• *VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush VA Medical Center †Regenstrief Institute Departments of ‡Communication Studies ∥Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University §Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.
• Clin J Pain. 2016 Jun 1; 32 (6): 534540534-40.

ObjectiveTo understand facilitators and barriers to participation in a peer support intervention for self-management of chronic pain.MethodsAfter completing a pilot intervention study, peer coaches and their veteran patients took part in a qualitative, semistructured interview to explore their experiences with the intervention. Data were analyzed using an immersion/crystallization approach.ResultsThree facilitators and 2 barriers to patient participation in a peer support intervention for veterans with chronic pain emerged. Facilitators were (1) having a shared identity as veterans, (2) being partnered with a person who also has chronic pain, and (3) support from the study staff. Barriers were (1) logistical challenges, and (2) challenges to motivation and engagement in the intervention.DiscussionAwareness of facilitators and barriers to participation in a peer-supported self-management program for chronic pain, as well as strategies to capitalize on facilitators and mitigate barriers, are essential for further study and ultimate clinical implementation of such a program.

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