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Cited by 46Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitationPain Management and TreatmentPain Mechanisms and Treatments

What is important in transdisciplinary pain neuroscience education? A qualitative study

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Wijma, Amarins J., Speksnijder, Caroline M., Crom-Ottens, Astrid F., Knulst-Verlaan, J. M. Corine, Keizer, Doeke, Nijs, Jo, van Wilgen, C. Paul·2018·Disability and Rehabilitation
DOI 10.1080/09638288.2017.1327990
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Abstract

PURPOSE: The main focus of Pain Neuroscience Education is around changing patients' pain perceptions and minimizing further medical care. Even though Pain Neuroscience Education has been studied extensively, the experiences of patients regarding the Pain Neuroscience Education process remain to be explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the experiences in patients with non-specific chronic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with non-specific chronic pain from a transdisciplinary treatment centre were in-depth interviewed. Data collection and analysis were performed according to Grounded Theory. RESULTS: Five interacting topics emerged: (1) "the pre-Pain Neuroscience Education phase", involving the primary needs to provide Pain Neuroscience Education, with subthemes containing (a) "a broad intake" and (b) "the healthcare professionals"; (2) "a comprehensible Pain Neuroscience Education" containing (a) "understandable explanation" and (b) "interaction between the physiotherapist and psychologist"; (3) "outcomes of Pain Neuroscience Education" including (a) "awareness", b) "finding peace of mind", and (c) "fewer symptoms"; 4) ""scepticism" containing (a) "doubt towards the diagnosis and Pain Neuroscience Education", (b) "disagreement with the diagnosis and Pain Neuroscience Education", and (c) "Pain Neuroscience Education can be confronting". CONCLUSION: This is the first study providing insight into the constructs contributing to the Pain Neuroscience Education experience of patients with non-specific chronic pain. The results reveal the importance of the therapeutic alliance between the patient and caregiver, taking time, listening, providing a clear explanation, and the possible outcomes when doing so. The findings from this study can be used to facilitate healthcare professionals in providing Pain Neuroscience Education to patients with non-specific chronic pain. Implications for Rehabilitation An extensive biopsychosocial patient centred intake is crucial prior to providing Pain Neuroscience Education. Repetitions of Pain Neuroscience Education, in different forms (verbal and written information, examples, drawings, etc.) help patients to understand the theory of neurophysiology. Pain Neuroscience Education induces insight into the patient's complaints, improved coping with complaints, improved self-control, and induces in some cases peace of mind. Healthcare professionals providing Pain Neuroscience Education should be aware of the possible confronting nature of the contributing factors.

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  • Interdisciplinary work necessitates each facilitator having sensitivity to and general knowledge of one another's areas of expertise and professional strengths for consistent messaging and optimal reinforcement and integration of material.

    “This interdisciplinary work necessitates each facilitator to have a sensitivity to and general knowledge of one another’s areas of expertise and professional strengths for consistent messaging and for optimal reinforcement and integration of material.20,28”

    From Remotely Delivered Psychologically Informed Mindful Movement Physical Therapy for Pain Care: A Framework for Operationalization (2023) · cites this paper as [28]

  • Through PNE a person may gain insight that helps them shift from a perspective of pain as equal to tissue damage to a broader understanding of pain as a protective and adaptive response that may be activated by a wide array of body, mind, and environmental stimuli.

    “Through PNE the person may gain insight that helps them shift from a perspective of pain as equal to tissue damage to a more broad understanding of pain as a protective and adaptive response which may be activated from a wide array of body, mind, and environmental stimuli.28,50-53”

    From Remotely Delivered Psychologically Informed Mindful Movement Physical Therapy for Pain Care: A Framework for Operationalization (2023) · cites this paper as [28]

  • Pain neuroscience education is an integral part of physical therapy pain care.

    “Pain neuroscience education (PNE) is an integral part of physical therapy pain care.”

    From Remotely Delivered Psychologically Informed Mindful Movement Physical Therapy for Pain Care: A Framework for Operationalization (2023) · cites this paper as [28]

  • PNE supports a reconceptualization of pain, including helping to reframe beliefs around fear of movement or other adverse relationships to pain that inhibit a return to function or negatively impact quality of life.

    “PNE supports a reconceptualization of pain including helping to reframe beliefs around fear of movement, or other adverse relationships to pain, that inhibit a return to function and/or negatively impact quality of life.20,28,50-52”

    From Remotely Delivered Psychologically Informed Mindful Movement Physical Therapy for Pain Care: A Framework for Operationalization (2023) · cites this paper as [28]

  • PNE from a primarily didactic approach can be felt as confronting to a person's beliefs, which may then be met by a reluctance to accept the education, including potentially labeling the training as irrelevant to one's situation.

    “PNE from a primarily didactic approach can be felt as confronting to a person’s beliefs which may then be met by a reluctance to accept the education (including potentially labeling the training as irrelevant to one’s situation).28,56”

    From Remotely Delivered Psychologically Informed Mindful Movement Physical Therapy for Pain Care: A Framework for Operationalization (2023) · cites this paper as [28]

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Authors
Wijma, A. J., Speksnijder, C. M., Crom-Ottens, A. F., Knulst-Verlaan, J. M. C., Keizer, D., Nijs, J., & van Wilgen, C. P.
Affiliations
  • Vrije Universiteit Brussel (BE)
  • University Medical Center Utrecht (NL)
  • Department of Physiotherapy, Winnock, Groningen, The Netherlands;
  • Department of Physiotherapy, Slingedael Kosakoff Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  • Transcare (NL)
  • Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium;
Corresponding author
Wijma, Amarins J.
ORCID
Venue
Disability and Rehabilitation
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2017-05-19
Volume
40
Issue
18
Pages
2181-2191
ISSN
  • 0963-8288 (ISSN-L)
  • 1464-5165
DOI
10.1080/09638288.2017.1327990
OpenAlex
W2616765305
Cited by
46
References
51
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 1
FWCI
2.48
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
other-oa
Locations
  • Disability and Rehabilitation (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • VUBIR (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) (submittedVersion)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine › Pain Management and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Pain Mechanisms and Treatments
Keywords
pain neuroscience education, patient experience, therapeutic relationship, patient education, skepticism, coping with chronic pain, biopsychosocial model
MeSH terms
Emotions, Female, Health Personnel, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neurophysiology, Neurosciences, Patient Participation, Needs Assessment, Qualitative Research, Pain Perception, Chronic Pain, Pain Management

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