Health Promotion for people with chronic pain at a Norwegian Healthy Life Center

Abstract

Background: People living with chronic pain may benefit from identifying and activating their health resources. However, knowledge about what constitutes an optimal non-pharmacological intervention to promote health for people with chronic pain is sparse, along with knowledge about their expectations and experiences with a health promotion (HP) intervention. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will study the effect of an HP intervention at a Healthy Life Center. Healthy Life Centers are recently established as a part of the community health care services in Norway. Qualitative individual interviews nested within the RCT will explore this group of people’s expectations and experiences with the intervention. Expected results: The project will provide knowledge about the effect of an HP intervention, comprising subjective (activation, well-being, pain, sense of coherence), objective (muscle strength and balance) and economic health outcomes (prescribed medications and use of health care services). The project will also provide knowledge about people’s expectations and experiences with an HP intervention. Current state of work: Planning. Discussion: Implications of these findings will be important in the further development of Healthy Life Centers.