Qualitative evaluation of the SMART2 self-management system for people in chronic pain

Technology could support the self-management of long-term health conditions suchas chronic pain. This article describes an evaluation of SMART2, a personalised selfmanagementsystem incorporating activity planning and review, feedback on behaviour- andacceptance-based therapeutic exercises. Method: The SMART2 system was evaluated over afour-week trial in the homes of people in chronic pain. At conclusion, participants wereinterviewed to understand the experience of using and living with the SMART2 system as atherapeutic tool. Results: Qualitative analysis of the interviews found that participants liked thesystem and reported making associated changes to their behaviour. Goal setting and feedbackwere the most useful elements of the system. A third key and unexpected element was that bysimulating some of the functions of a therapist, SMART2 also simulated some of the process ofinteracting with a therapist. Conclusions: People in chronic pain may experience positiveoutcomes when using a self-management system designed for behaviour change. Furthermore,some of the supportive aspects of the therapeutic context can be elicited by self-managementtechnologies.