What Factors Are Associated With Patients Being Active Partners in the Management Fibromyalgia? A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Protocol

Background: Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is characterised by widespread and persistent pain, intrusive fatigue and cognitive issues, affecting approximately 5.4% of the UK population. Non-pharmacological therapies and education are current management recommendations, but these approaches rely on patients having an active role in their healthcare management. It is therefore important to identify the factors associated with FMS patients being active partners, as this could influence person-centred care provision.

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the factors associated with patients being an active partner in the management of FMS.

Methods: This is a protocol for mixed methods systematic literature review with convergent integrated approach in accordance with JBI methodology. The databases AMED, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and CINAHL will be searched via EBSCOhost. Screening and selection will be conducted by two reviewers. Primary qualitative, observational and experimental studies from July 2005 to July 2024 will be included. Critical appraisal of eligible studies will be conducted using appropriate JBI tools. Data will be extracted, transformed where necessary and synthesised without meta-analysis.

Discussion: This mixed methods systematic review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors associated with patients being active partners, offering not only the 'what' but also the 'why' behind patients taking an active role in their healthcare. This will help guide future research and practice in supporting patients to be active partners in FMS management.

Trial registration: This systematic review has been registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024575159).