A literature-based intervention for people with chronic pain

Background: This study investigated the impact of a literature-based intervention – The Reader Organisation's "Get into Reading (GIR)" shared read-aloud model – on people with chronic pain in a clinical setting. Methods: A mixed methodology approach was used. Quantitative self-report measures tested the effect of GIR on participants' psychological symptoms and function before, during and after the reading group. Qualitative individual interviews and a focus group explored participants' experience of GIR. Results: Three key themes emerged from the data: the value of the literature read in terms of quality and diversity, and in terms of promoting absorbed concentration and "flow"; a sense of shared community; improvement in mood, function and quality of life. Conclusions: The study has demonstrated that GIR can have a positive impact on the lives of people suffering chronic pain, which may help to alleviate some features of the condition with minimum risk of side effects.