Staff perspectives regarding the implementation of a yoga intervention with chronic pain self-management in a clinical setting

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and can be addressed through multiple modalities, interventions, and strategies. Yoga and self-management have been proven effective in treating chronic pain, but little research has been conducted on the feasibility and implementation barriers related to these alternative intervention forms. In our qualitative study, we examined staff perceptions regarding the feasibility of implementing yoga along with established self-management at a pain management clinic in Colorado. We utilized the Implementation Drivers of Competency, Organizational, and Leadership, and our added Hypothetical Driver to explore barriers and facilitators related to project implementation. Our findings suggest that positive staff and patient attitudes were crucial for successful implementation. We also identified physical space, transportation, and supportive leadership as necessary components of project implementation. Further research is needed to examine barriers such as funding to ensure intervention sustainability and the need for adequate staffing.