Indicators of need for occupational therapy in patients with chronic pain: occupational therapists' focus groups

Abstract

This study explores occupational therapists' (OT) perceptions of indicators for occupational therapy interventions among patients with chronic pain. An exploratory design was applied to six focus groups of OTs (n = 25) for data collection. Analysis was performed using content analysis through identification of meaning units, codes, categories and themes. Limitations of occupational performance was a major theme that included participant restrictions caused by physical, emotional and environmental barriers. Five subthemes of need were identified: 1) pain behaviour that prevented engagement in activities; 2) lack of knowledge about pain mechanisms and strategies to deal with pain; 3) occupational imbalance in work, leisure and home; 4) emotional stress and depression due to pain; and 5) physical or environmental strain resulting in limitations in occupational performance. Because of the variety and the diverse trends of approaches towards interventions for patients with chronic pain that exist in different cultures and settings, this study should be replicated in other contexts to increase the transferability of the findings.

The Occupational Profile of Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

“…In the study by Silva et al () including 10 active workers suffering from generalized chronic pain, the authors found that chronic pain had serious consequences for participation, because of work restrictions and the loss of social roles. In line with these findings, in a study on individuals with chronic pain, Skjütar et al () identified restrictions affecting occupational participation and classified five subthemes of need: (1) pain behavior that prevented engagement in ADLs; (2) lack of knowledge regarding strategies to deal with pain; (3) occupational imbalance in work, leisure and at home; (4) emotional imbalance because of pain; and (5) physical or environmental strain, leading to limitations in occupational performance. Fisher et al () emphasize the importance of therapeutic listening and the therapeutic potential of occupation in patients with chronic pain.…”

Perfil De Trabalhadores Com Doenças Da Coluna Vertebral Atendidos Em Um Serviço De Saúde

“…De acordo com Skjutar et al (2010), pacientes com dor crônica apresentaram limitações no desempenho ocupacional, com restrições ocasionadas por barreiras físicas, emocionais e ambientais. Os autores também citam que entre os sujeitos o comportamento perante a dor impedia o engajamento em atividades, havia a falta de conhecimento sobre os mecanismos do adoecimento e como evitá-los, dificuldades em estratégias de como lidar com a dor, entre outros.…”

Patient‐reported outcome measures in burning mouth syndrome – a review of the literature

“…The use of qualitative research methods to determine the impact of chronic medical conditions on patients has been used to great effect in a number of areas, for example, in the areas of diabetes (Parry et al , 2004; Peel et al , 2004), chronic pain (Skjutar et al , 2010) and arthritis (Gronning et al , 2011). In these studies, focus groups or in‐depth individual interviews were used to establish the influence of these chronic conditions on various aspects of the lives of patients.…”

“…Tammiala- Salonen and Forssell (1999) Trazadone in burning mouth pain: a placebo controlled double-blind study VAS MPQ BDI Formaker et al (1998) The effect of topical anaesthetic on oral burning in BMS Oral pain 0-9 Grushka et al (1998) An open label dose escalation pilot study of the effect of clonazepam in BMS Pain on a 5-point scale Woda et al (1998) A possible therapeutic solution for BMS VAS pain intensity Jerlang (1997) BMS and the concept of alexithymia -a preliminary study The use of qualitative research methods to determine the impact of chronic medical conditions on patients has been used to great effect in a number of areas, for example, in the areas of diabetes Peel et al, 2004), chronic pain (Skjutar et al, 2010) and arthritis (Gronning et al, 2011). In these studies, focus groups or in-depth individual interviews were used to establish the influence of these chronic conditions on various aspects of the lives of patients.…”