Being in a group
chronic pain, disruptive, pain
CHRONIC PAIN
Looking back on the group intervention, most interviewees found that being in a group was beneficial. They spoke about the groups as a shared experience where they were with people in similar circumstances which included the lay facilitator with whom they could share experiences. There were social comparisons within the group with participants noticing that others were like, or not like, themselves. Social support from the group was a key theme with evidence of people encouraging others especially when they were experiencing difficulties. Interviewees often talked about the commitment to the group and or the trial. Group numbers seemed important, less than three members limited discussion. Lay group facilitators were seen either as good examples of how people cope with chronic pain or, alternatively, that they were somehow not the same and may not have had the same long-term experience of opioids and pain. The former perception allowing greater identification with the lay facilitator. Not all groups ran smoothly especially if they included disruptive individuals (Being in a group.