Anticipated barriers and facilitators of implementing a digital behavioral treatment for chronic pain: a qualitative interview studyShow others and affiliations
2026 (English)In: BMC Health Services Research, E-ISSN 1472-6963, Vol. 26, no 1, article id 772
Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
BackgroundIn digital health innovations, sustainable implementation should be considered from the initiation of the development to ensure that the solution fits into the existing healthcare system. This study aims at identifying barriers and facilitators for the prospective implementation of a digital behavioral intervention for chronic pain in the Swedish healthcare system, as perceived by key stakeholders.MethodsEight semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with stakeholders (n = 2 IT developers, n = 4 healthcare managers, n = 2 healthcare professionals). Qualitative data were analyzed using a framework analysis following the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).ResultsA total of 86 facilitators and 38 barriers to prospective implementation were identified across stakeholder interviews. Facilitators included perceived relevance of the digital intervention and organizational readiness. Identified barriers primarily related to insufficient training and supervision, unclear decision-making processes (e.g., specific actions, responsibilities of stakeholders), and the lack of systematic needs assessment to guide implementation planning.ConclusionOverall, findings indicate a high level of openness toward digital interventions within the implementation context. While implementation context largely demonstrates readiness, successful integration will depend on proactively addressing identified barriers. Awareness of these factors enhances the likelihood of successful and sustainable implementation.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BioMed Central (BMC), 2026. Vol. 26, no 1, article id 772
Keywords [en]
Implementation, Barriers, Facilitators, Stakeholders, Digital intervention, Chronic pain
National Category
Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-592118DOI: 10.1186/s12913-026-14820-8ISI: 001779569800001PubMedID: 42216147Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105040570245OAI: oai:DiVA.org:uu-592118DiVA, id: diva2:2079325
2026-06-252026-06-252026-06-25Bibliographically approved