Experienced dilemmas of everyday life in chronic neuropathic pain patients--resu

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Scand J Caring Sci. 2007 Jun;21(2):147-54.

Experienced dilemmas of everyday life in chronic neuropathic pain

patients--results from a critical incident study.

Hensing GK, Sverker AM, Leijon GS.

Social Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Public Health,

The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.

Neuropathic pain is a disabling chronic condition with limited

therapeutic options. Few studies have addressed patient's experience

and strategies. The aim of this study was to explore dilemmas

experienced in order to improve care and rehabilitation. An

interview study with 39 patients suffering from neuropathic pain of

different origin was performed. We used the critical incident

technique to collect data.

Questions on occasions when patients had been hindered by or

reminded of their neuropathic pain were included, and the self-

perceived consequences and management of such occasions. The

interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively. A

broad range of experiences categorised into dilemmas, disturbances,

consequences and managements from most parts of everyday life was

identified.

The dilemmas were 'housework', 'sitting', 'physical

activity', 'personal hygiene', 'sleeping

difficulties', 'hypersensitivity to external stimuli', 'social

relationships', 'transportation' and 'leisure time'. Disturbances

were 'failures', 'inabilities' and 'restrictions'. Consequences

were 'increased pain', 'psychological reactions' and 'physical

symptoms'.

The majority of the patients used activity-oriented strategies to

manage their pain such as alternative ways of performing the task, a

cognitive approach or simply ignoring the pain.

This is one of the first studies presenting detailed data on

everyday dilemmas, disturbances and consequences of patients with

chronic neuropathic pain. Such information is important in clinical

settings to improve care and rehabilitation.