THU0728-HPR "I AM GOOD ENOUGH AS I AM EVEN IF I AM NOT PERFECT" A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF FIBROMYALGIA PATIENTS' EXPERIENCES FROM PARTICIPATION IN A MINDFULNESS-BASED GROUP-PROGRAMME

Background People with fibromyalgia (FM) suffer from widespread pain, non-refreshing sleep, fatigue and reduced mental wellbeing. No curative pharmacological treatment exists. Vitality Training (VTP) is a mindfulness- and acceptance-based group-programme that aims at enhancing participants health promoting resources, strengthening their inner authority and ability to act according to own values. It combines mindfulness with creative methods and group counselling. Two RCTs have shown significant improvements in mental wellbeing, pain coping and fatigue in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and inflammatory arthritis. The VTP is currently being evaluated in an ongoing study for patients with newly diagnosed FM [1]. Objectives The aim of this qualitative study was to explore FM patients experiences from participating in the VTP, and if they perceived that it had any impact on their health and functioning. Methods Six qualitative in-depth interviews with participants from three VTP-courses were conducted following a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. All three authors analysed the data by use of systematic text condensation. Results Three main themes were identified. Understanding oneself in light of the group: Mutual understanding and acknowledgement had altered participants self-understanding from a feeling that something was wrong with me towards perceiving themselves as a normal person with similar challenges as others. Learning to accept oneself: Participants had obtained a greater understanding and acceptance for their emotions and reactions and had become kinder towards themselves. I have realised how strict I have been towards myself I am indeed good enough as I am even if I am not perfect. Coping with everyday challenges: Becoming aware of what had provoked stress and learn how to face it had helped participants take more control. I can do small changesthat really makes it better the illness does not decide everything. Indeed I can decide something myself. Conclusion Participation in the VTP had contributed to new ways of relating to oneself and the illness. The support and acknowledgement participants experienced from the group had helped them alter their self-understanding from only being ill towards also being healthy and normal. They had learnt ways to better cope with stress and everyday challenges. Although this was a small study, the findings correspond with findings in previous studies. References [1] Haugmark T. et al. Effects of a community-based multicomponent rehabilitation programme for patients with fibromyalgia: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ open. 2018 Jun 4; 8(6):e021004. Disclosure of Interests None declared