Delineating the Concept of eHealth Self-Management for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Concept Analysis in the Context of the Social Cognitive Theory

BACKGROUND: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a major health issue worldwide, characterized by a significant disease burden that leads to disability and reduced quality of life. Its prevalence is increasing, particularly among the aging population. Research is needed to provide effective, individualized, and theory-based eHealth self-management interventions to improve clinical outcomes, and access to care. There is a lack of consensus in the literature on the concept of eHealth self-management support for chronic musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to conduct a concept analysis of eHealth self-management support for chronic pain within the framework of the Social Cognitive Theory. METHODS: Our study was guided by Mckenna's 9-step process for concept analysis as a framework: (1) Select the concept; (2) Determine the purpose of the analysis; (3) Identify the uses; (4) Determine attributes; (5) Identify a 'model case'; (6) Identify alternative cases; (7) Identify antecedents and consequences; (8) Consider context and values; and (9) Identify empirical indicators. We searched the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and other sources between 2000 and 2025. Studies were included if they met the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies were included to define the main attributes, antecedents, and consequences. The attributes were: (1) Person-centered, accessible, personal, and facilitated behavioral change; (2) Web-based multidisciplinary education, modeling, and vicarious learning; (3) Web-based goal setting, activity planning, self-monitoring, and automated personalized feedback for motivational enhancement; and (4) Web-based social support and communication with healthcare providers. CONCLUSION: This study has delineated the concept of eHealth self-management support for chronic pain and provided a foundation for future research.