Understanding the chronic pain journey and coping strategies that patients use to manage their chronic pain: a qualitative, patient-led, Canadian study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo gain an insight into coping strategies that people living with chronic pain use to self-manage their pain.DesignThis qualitative Patient-oriented Research study used the Patient and Community Engagement Research approach. It was conducted by people with chronic pain lived experience, ensuring that patient perspective and needs were considered and addressed throughout the research cycle. Purposeful sampling was used for recruiting individuals living with chronic pain. A focus group and one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted via videoconference. The data were analysed iteratively using inductive thematic analysis and narrative story analysis.SettingCalgary, Alberta, Canada.ParticipantsEleven adult participants, between the ages of 18 and 65, who self-identified as living with chronic pain for greater than 2 years.ResultsThree main themes emerged from the data: (1) the elements of chronic pain, (2) the chronic pain journey to acceptance and (3) daily coping strategies for chronic pain. Participants thought it was important to discuss these three themes because the daily coping strategies that they employed at any given time (theme 3) depended on the factors discussed in themes 1 and 2. Overlaying all of this is also a grieving process that people living with chronic pain may have to go through more than once. Participants also identified recommendations for healthcare professionals to support people living with chronic pain.ConclusionsDealing with chronic pain affects all aspects of a person’s life and involves a grieving process. When treating patients with chronic pain, it is important for healthcare professionals to understand the journey that people living with chronic pain go through, not just coping strategies. Diagnosis is critical for a patient’s acceptance and in helping them find their new normal where they can employ daily coping strategies to manage their pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Care Experiences of Black People Living in Canada: A Qualitative Study to Inform Health Service Improvements

“…Additionally, this follows the Patient and Community Engagement Research approach, 26 which has been used before, [27][28][29] and addresses how individuals with lived experience have a level of understanding others could not. Finally, people who agreed to participate in the study may have been better informed than other Black people living with RA in Canada, more interested in discussing the topics, or more likely to have experienced inequities in health care access and quality of care.…”

Balancing between being the most valuable player (MVP) and passing the ball: a qualitative study of support when living with chronic pain in Sweden

“…Measures were taken to make participants comfortable (confirming they knew they could ask questions, take breaks, etc) and to encourage sharing their narratives. 23 However, Bruce et al described the chronic ‘pain journey to acceptance’ and that different coping mechanisms are useful depending on where the person is in the journey, 36 which might also translate to support. Some participants grew up with pain, which might have affected our findings.…”