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Understanding Chronic Pain Experiences: A Case Study on Ecological Momentary Assessment
Chronic pain management poses a significant challenge for individuals and healthcare professionals alike. To gain a rich understanding of experiences and behaviours related to chronic pain management, a research team at a top global university sought to employ Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) as their methodology. The researchers wanted to leverage the use of multimedia (notably video) and qualitative data for their study. Most importantly, the research team needed a tool that would enable them to carry out an event-based EMA study design. This case study explores the use of event-based EMA and how Indeemo supported a robust and flexible EMA approach to chronic pain management and experiences.
Research Objective
The primary objective of this case study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of how individuals manage chronic pain in their daily lives. By utilising EMA, the research team aimed to capture real-time insights and behaviours related to pain management strategies. One of the main goals was to maintain ecological validity and get contextual insights into the lives of chronic pain sufferers.
Methodology: Ecological Momentary Assessment
The research team employed Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) as the methodology of choice. EMA is a research method that involves collecting real-time data from individuals in their natural environments, allowing for a more accurate representation of their experiences and behaviours. In this case, an event-based EMA approach was adopted. In a nutshell, an event-based EMA design means that research participants record and capture their experiences when a specific event in their lives triggers a behavioural response, emotion, or experience.
To learn more about the two primary types of EMA design, you can read our blog titled The Power of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and Real-Time Data Collection
The research team selected Indeemo as the platform for implementing the event-based EMA design. Indeemo was chosen for its unique features that aligned with the research objectives. The platform allowed participants to capture qualitative data in various formats, including photos, text (for diary entries), and most importantly, videos. The researchers recognised the value of video recordings as a means for participants to articulate and discuss their pain management strategies in a more comprehensive and nuanced manner.
All-At-Once Tasking for Event-Based EMA Design
To align with the event-based EMA research design, the research team utilised the Indeemo all-at-once tasking feature. This approach allowed participants to record their pain management strategies in response to specific events or triggers throughout the day. Due to the unpredictability of the onset of pain and the diverse measures participants take for pain alleviation - event-based through all-at-once tasking was the right approach. This meant that research participants could report on any experiences and behaviours as they occurred at any point in time during fieldwork
Participant Recruitment
A total of 10 research participants were recruited through the Indeemo QR Code sign-up process. The research project was advertised in various primary healthcare clinics to target individuals actively seeking chronic pain management solutions. The recruitment process aimed to gather a diverse sample of participants representing different demographics and pain management approaches.
Fieldwork Duration
The fieldwork duration spanned 5 days, including both weekdays and weekend days. This duration was considered appropriate to capture a range of pain management experiences and behaviours across different contexts and activities.
10 Respondents
3 Tasks
5 Days
Tasking Strategy:
All-At-Once
Key Findings
Diverse Pain Management Strategies
The study revealed a wide range of pain management strategies employed by participants. These strategies included medication management, physical therapies, relaxation techniques, lifestyle modifications, and social support networks. The use of video recordings provided valuable insights into the participants' personal experiences and their reasoning behind specific strategies.
Contextual Influences on Pain Management
The event-based EMA approach enabled the exploration of contextual influences on pain management. The findings indicated that environmental factors, such as physical surroundings, social interactions, and daily activities, significantly impacted individuals' pain management choices and effectiveness. Understanding these contextual factors can assist in tailoring interventions to specific situations.
Subjective Experiences and Coping Mechanisms
Through video recordings and diary entries, participants expressed their subjective experiences of pain and the coping mechanisms they utilised. This qualitative data shed light on the emotional aspects of pain management, including frustration, resilience, and adaptation. The in-depth insights into participants' coping strategies can inform the development of personalised and holistic approaches to chronic pain management.
Participant Engagement and Acceptance
The utilisation of Indeemo as the EMA platform yielded high participant engagement and acceptance. Participants found the video recording feature particularly valuable for expressing their experiences and communicating nuances in their pain management journey. This positive engagement indicates the feasibility and acceptability of using technology-driven EMA methods in chronic pain research.
Benefits of Ecological Momentary Assessment and Indeemo
Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) offers several benefits for understanding chronic pain management in real-world contexts. Indeemo, as a powerful EMA platform, further strengthens the methodology by providing unique features and functionalities.
Real-Time Insights
EMA allows researchers to capture real-time data, providing a more accurate representation of individuals' experiences and behaviours in their natural environments. This real-time approach enhances the validity and reliability of the findings, enabling a deeper understanding of pain management strategies as they unfold in everyday life.
Ecological Validity
By collecting data in participants' real-world settings, EMA captures the ecological validity of their pain management experiences. Indeemo's seamless integration into participants' daily routines enables the collection of authentic and contextually relevant data, reducing recall bias and enhancing the overall ecological validity of the study.
Rich Qualitative Data
Indeemo's comprehensive multimedia capabilities, including video recordings, photos, and diary entries, provide a wealth of qualitative data. These features allow participants to express their pain experiences, coping mechanisms, and treatment strategies in a more nuanced and detailed manner. The inclusion of video recordings, in particular, enables participants to articulate their thoughts and emotions effectively, providing a deeper understanding of their lived experiences.
Flexibility and User-Friendliness
Indeemo offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive design, making it accessible to participants of varying technological backgrounds. Its flexibility allows participants to capture data at their convenience, minimising burden and increasing compliance. This ease of use enhances participant engagement and acceptance, leading to higher-quality data collection.
Keeping sensitive data safe
At Indeemo, we are fully aware of the stringent confidentiality and security requirements in the healthcare industry. We take these regulations very seriously and have taken the necessary measures to ensure that we comply with them. Indeemo is in compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996), GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), and is ISO 27001 certified. To further protect respondent and patient privacy, Indeemo offers anonymous email options and push notifications, eliminating the need to store names or email addresses within our platform.
GDPR Compliant
Information Security
Enterprise Ready
HIPAA & ISO 27001 Accredited
Contact Us
With the growth of Ecological Momentary Assessment, leveraging data collection tools like Indeemo can have significant benefits on the quality and richness of data you can capture. If you would like to learn more about Indeemo and how we can support you and your next EMA project please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our strategists can discuss your research needs and how Indeemo can help you meet your research objective.
