Investigation of patients' understanding of fibromyalgia: Results from an online qualitative survey

Abstract

Objective: An important component to effective fibromyalgia treatment is patient education about the condition. While previous educational interventions have been developed, these have not incorporated the lived experiences of patients and may not address common misunderstandings among those who may benefit from these interventions. This study aimed to explore understanding, confusion, and gaps in knowledge about fibromyalgia among those who report a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Methods: Participants were recruited via clinic flyers and the social media page of a chronic pain research laboratory. Participants completed an online survey that assessed their knowledge of fibromyalgia via open-ended questions. Responses were analyzed via thematic analysis to identify, analyze, and report themes.

Results: Thirty-eight participants completed the survey (63% female, ages 18-68). Common themes that arose from patients included being unsure of the cause of their fibromyalgia, frustration and confusion about the random/variable nature of symptoms and flares, feeling that their condition was invisible, and desiring more information on available treatments.

Conclusion: Participants in this study expressed confusion about many aspects of fibromyalgia and a desire for more understanding from others in their life about this condition.

Practice implications: Future interventions would benefit from tailoring fibromyalgia education to the specific knowledge and lived experiences of patients.

Keywords: Fibromyalgia; Patient understanding; Qualitative.