Learning, Hope, and Empowerment: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Feedback on a Group Intervention for Parents of Youth With Chronic Pain

Objectives: Limited research has investigated parent-targeted interventions in pediatric chronic pain, though these interventions may be an important part of family-centered care. Further, parent perspectives and feedback regarding these interventions are scant in the literature, even though they are crucial for developing, refining, and optimizing treatment options. This study aimed to understand how parents experience and perceive their participation in a cognitive-behavioral therapy-based, parent-targeted group intervention that was delivered either in-person or virtually, with a focus on the treatment components they found most important. Methods: Data from semistructured focus groups/interviews within 1week post-treatment with 32 parents (n=11 in-person, n=21 virtual) were analyzed using an inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three overarching themes were generated from the thematic analysis: building a foundation of knowledge, finding normalization and hope through connection and lived experiences, and sharing collective responsibility for pain management. Discussion: Parents perceived a range of benefits from participating in a cognitive-behavioral therapy-based, parent-targeted group intervention, both on themselves and for their youth. Overall, parent perceptions across in-person and virtual intervention delivery were consistent, except for a drawback of virtual participation for developing a deeper social connection among parents. Thus, a relatively brief parent-targeted group intervention was perceived to be a positive experience for parents, though considerations for adapting to virtual delivery and facilitating social connection among parents seem to be important.