EmpowerSpine Program

Participants will receive the 10-week tailored EmpowerSpine program previously co-developed by the Team and Patient Oriented Steering Committee. The program consists of 1) education designed to improve participants' understanding of the biopsychosocial nature of chronic pain by presenting information on the nature of pain biology, address erroneous beliefs about pain (e.g. that chronic pain is always associated with pathology) and outline links between chronic pain and health behaviour risks (inactivity, weight, smoking, and so on); 2) behavioural activation through goal setting and development of a physical activity action and coping plan; 3) managing overdoing-underdoing cycle of activity levels, tackling fear avoidance; 4) developing self-monitoring and regulation practices; 5) occurrence of setbacks, signs of setbacks and creating setback plans. Materials will be presented in a didactic (i.e., text-based and audio with visual images and animation videos) and case-enhanced learning

Guidance: Weekly Guidance will be provided by a trained Guide. The Guide will spend ~15 -20 mins. per week/per participant. Weekly interaction will consist of: 1) assist participants practice skills, reinforce progress, engage with the program; 2) guide participants to learn material, highlight lesson content, answer questions, and problem solve on how to apply skills; 3) provide support through warmth and concern; 4) monitor symptoms and risk management.

Participants will receive focused peer group discussions. Focused Peer Group Discussion: The focused discussion will take the form of a group based virtual session of approximately 6-8 participants in each group The Groups will be moderated by a team member once every two weeks for the duration of the 10-week program.

Participants will receive a booster session workshop Booster sessions: Participants allocated to receive booster sessions will have access to a booster module and workshop at 16 weeks post enrollment. The booster module will include online materials that review core skills such as thought challenging, deep breathing, behavioural activation, and graded exposure. The module will also discuss how to maintain motivation and continue to practice skills regularly. The Booster module will also include a Do-It-Yourself Guide for participants to print and practice the skills they have learned throughout the course. A group based workshop will be provided to participants to review the booster module.