Authors (including presenting author) :
LAM CWF(1) FOK YY(2), TSANG WY(3) CHAN OL(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Anaesthesiology & Operating Theatre, Kwong Wah Hospital
(2) Department of Anaesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
(3) Department of Anaesthesia, Princess Margaret Hospital
Introduction :
Chronic pain management presents as multifaceted challenge, with patients frequently experiencing symptoms such as low mood, lack of motivation, feelings of hopelessness, and diminished enjoyment in daily activities. Despite awareness of potential self-care strategies, many patients struggle with the motivation to implement these challenges. Previous research emphasized the importance of motivation in self-care for managing chronic pain. Literature suggests that engaging in art activities can effectively enhance and sustain motivation in patients with chronic medical conditions. Art, as a universal language, transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, making it accessible to a wide audience. This study hypothesizes that incorporating art activities into chronic pain self-management strategies will significantly boost and maintain patients' motivation for self-care.
Objectives :
Recognizing the potential benefits, pain nurses at KWH, PMH, and QEH integrated drawing—a recognized form of artistic expression—into their existing nursing care. The pilot program aimed to provide patients with an opportunity to express their inner thoughts and feelings, facilitate social interaction, enhance self-esteem, improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, and potentially alter the perception of pain.
Methodology :
From July to December 2024, 66 chronic patients were recruited across three pain nurse clinics. Participants were equally divided into a control group receiving standard nursing interventions and an intervention group participating in the ABC workshop, which included art activities.
Result & Outcome :
Results indicated improvements in self-efficacy, pain intensity and pain interference in both groups. However, there were no significant differences in most measures, such as the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, worst pain, least pain, average pain scores, mood, walking ability, work, relationships, sleep, joy, and average pain interference. Notably, the intervention group exhibited a significant increase in pain relief (M=11.82, SD=23.65) compared to the control group (M=-0.91, SD=30.35), with t(64)=-1.90, p< .05, one-tailed.
While the integration of art activities in the ABC workshop did not significantly impact most assessed outcomes, it notably improved pain relief, highlighting art's potential as a therapeutic tool in chronic pain management. This innovative approach addresses both psychological and physical aspects of pain, suggesting that further evaluation and research could provide deeper insights into the program’s efficacy and its potential for broader application in chronic pain management strategies.
