OBJECTIVES: To describe the development of an interactive, web-based 
self-management intervention for opioid-treated, chronic pain patients with 
aberrant drug-related behavior.
METHODS: Fifty-three chronic pain patients participated in either focus groups 
(N = 23) or individual feedback sessions (N = 30). Focus groups probed interest 
in and relevance of the planned content and structure of the program. Individual 
session participants reviewed draft program modules and provided feedback on 
acceptability, ease of use, and usefulness. Focus group transcripts were 
thematically analyzed, and summary statistics were performed on feedback data.
RESULTS: Focus group participants stressed the need for additional pain 
management strategies and emphasized themes consistent with planned program 
content related to: 1) ambivalence about opioids; 2) reciprocal relationships 
among cognition, mood, and pain; 3) importance of recognizing physical 
limitations; and 4) effectiveness of goal setting for increasing motivation and 
functioning. Participants also offered insights on: 5) the loss of identity due 
to chronic pain; and 6) the desire to connect with pain peers to share 
strategies for managing daily life. Feedback session data demonstrate that 
participants believed that a web-based tool would be potentially useful and 
acceptable, and that exposure to program sections significantly increased 
participants' knowledge of key topics related to self-management of chronic 
pain.
CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest the potential value of self-management for chronic 
pain patients and the potential acceptability of web-based delivery of 
intervention content. Focus group and feedback methodologies highlight the 
usefulness of including potential program users in intervention development.