Development of a pain management strategies survey questionnaire - preliminary findings

Objective. The present study attempts to develop a preliminary survey questionnaire for collecting information on the perceived helpfulness and usage of pain management strategies by community dwelling older people with chronic pain. Design. The development of the questionnaire involved both qualitative and quantitative procedures, including focus group interviews, quantitative content validation, and construct validation. Participants. A convenience sample of 230 participants (mean age = 71.6 years) with chronic nonmalignant pain was recruited from the community. Results. The preliminary questionnaire comprised 35 items grouped into three categories, namely, health services, community and support services, and self-help methods. The content validity of the questionnaire was established. However, a larger sample is needed to fully investigate the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. The preliminary findings of the present study have generated information on use and perceived helpfulness of a broad range of pain management strategies that contributes to extend the current knowledge. Conclusion. The present study is a useful first step in the development of a survey questionnaire that may point the direction for future clinical pain research and development of services for older people with chronic nonmalignant pain.