EXPLORATION OF SELF-MONITORING AS A THEORY-DRIVEN MANAGEMENT APPROACH FOR CHRONIC PAIN

Abstract

Theory is often recommended as a framework for guiding hypothesized mechanisms of effect. There is limited guidance about how to use theory in intervention development. We used two novel approaches to explore theory as a framework to guide intervention development: 1) systematic review to evaluate use of theory in existing interventions, 2) pilot study to test support for theory from reported experiences. We used the social cognitive theory of self-regulation to explore self-monitoring as a potential chronic pain management strategy. We used systematic review to identify theory use within interventions that reported being developed using theory. We propose using review to identify whether theory is a feasible intervention framework. Our pilot study found participant reports were a feasible source to identify theory support. We propose methods to identify theoretical mechanisms for consideration of intervention development. This work provides preliminary investigation into exploring use of theory to guide development of interventions.