Integrated Behavioural Health Services for Individuals With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Perspectives From Rheumatology Healthcare Professionals

OBJECTIVE: Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a common symptom of rheumatic diseases and is influenced in part by health behaviours and mental health. The integration of behavioural health (BH) services into rheumatology clinics may improve access to mental health care and promote beneficial health behaviours, thereby enhancing pain management. This study explores rheumatology healthcare professional (HCP) perspectives on integrating BH services to improve the management of chronic MSK pain in patients with rheumatic diseases. METHODS: In this qualitative study, rheumatology HCP (n = 12) participated in semi-structured interviews exploring the perceived impact of health behaviours and mental health on chronic MSK pain, preferences for BH integration, and potential barriers. Interviews were analysed using Rapid Qualitative Analysis and matrix analysis to identify key themes. RESULTS: Participants acknowledged the impact of health behaviours and mental health on MSK pain and expressed a strong interest in integrating BH services into rheumatology care. Preferred service delivery included co-location of the BH specialist, same-day access to establish care, and availability of telehealth services. Barriers included HCP time constraints and lack of expertise, reimbursement challenges, and mental health stigma. Survey data reinforced the importance that rheumatology HCP places on BH interventions and identified priority areas of weight management, mood disorder treatment, physical activity, pain management, and stress reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Rheumatology HCP recognise the value of BH integration and acknowledge barriers to implementation. These findings will inform future development of an integrated BH model in rheumatology that will be evaluated for feasibility, patient outcomes, and healthcare utilization.