Abstract
Background
Chronic pain and sleep disturbances are often co-morbid. Sleep disturbances can negatively affect self-care occupations, cognition, mood, emotional functioning and physical wellbeing.
Aim
To explore occupational therapists’ experience working with clients with chronic pain and sleep difficulties.
Method
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 occupational therapists with experience working with clients with sleep disturbances and chronic pain.
Findings
The relationship between sleep disturbances and chronic pain was described as being complex and multifaceted. Participants believed they were uniquely placed to work with clients experiencing these two conditions. They felt inadequately equipped to treat sleep disturbances and chronic pain. Participants indicated that best practice required multiple interventions and a team-based approach. Finally, the participants noted that sleep disturbances and chronic pain are a growing area of practice.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that occupational therapists tailor their intervention strategies to be early, multi-pronged and individualised. Institutional barriers need to be addressed to further develop occupational therapists’ skill set when working in the areas of sleep and chronic pain. Further research to support the interventions currently used in practice to treat these two conditions is needed.
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