Date Presented 03/26/20
Through an online survey of open-ended questions, this qualitative study explored coping strategies used by people with chronic pain who are gainfully employed. Participants were recruited via social media. Qualitative data was analyzed using grounded theory until saturation was reached. Multiple researchers and data collection from multiple sources ensured triangulation, rigor, and trustworthiness of data. This study informs OTs of coping strategies to help their pain patients remain employed.
Primary Author and Speaker: Debora Oliveira
Additional Authors and Speakers: Barbara Kornblau, Sarah Mbiza, Irane Collins
Contributing Authors: Tiara Stroman, Ruth Rivers, Mikaila Jones
PURPOSE: Chronic pain and its treatment are both considered public health crises in today’s world. The American Chronic Pain Association [ACPA] (2018) defines chronic pain as, “recurrent pain that adversely affects a person’s well-being, level of function, and quality of life. At the same time, the CDC recommends limiting opioids for people living with chronic pain. Further, according to the American Council of Science and Health (2018), an estimated 20 million people in the U.S., experience chronic pain that limits their work activities. Many individuals with chronic pain conditions remain in the workplace, despite their pain. This study aimed to explore the strategies developed by people who work, despite their chronic pain and lack of access to pain medication – strategies that allow them to cope with their pain and remain employed. The results of this study can be used to explore strategies and alternatives occupational therapy practitioners can use to help people living with chronic pain manage their chronic pain so they can stay in the workforce.
DESIGN: This was a qualitative, grounded theory study. Following approval from the Institutional Review Board, and with permission from the group administrators, researchers recruited Individuals 18 years and older, who self-identified as working with chronic pain, and who live in the U. S., from two closed Facebook groups and Twitter. These group were called “Fibro and Pain” and “Pain is Real,” the support group for the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association (NFMCPA), and tweets were sent via the NFMCPA’s Twitter feed.
METHOD: Participants were presented with a link to an online survey of open-ended questions using Qualtrics, The survey of open-ended questions asked participants about the coping strategies they use while working with chronic pain. Qualitative data was analyzed by multiple researchers, using grounded theory and multiple levels of coding, until saturation was reached. Multiple researchers sharing coding tasks, and data collections from multiple sources ensured triangulation, rigor, and trustworthiness of the data.
RESULTS: A total of 37 people responded to the survey. Saturation was reached at participant 16, which included 1 male and the remaining 15 were female. Participants reported worry and fear about the future and their continued ability to work in the future with their chronic pain condition, some noting increasing pain as they age. for example. Some participants were optimistic about the future while others were willing to take it one day at a time. Some participants found workplace accommodations, such as frequent breaks, flexible schedules, sit/stand desks, and ergonomic equipment helpful. Some participants found a variety of over the counter or prescription medications, and alternative remedies, such as mindfulness, CBD oil, and aroma therapy helpful.
CONCLUSION: Chronic pain is often overlooked in the workplace, an environment where many spend most of their time. Chronic pain affects people who, despite their pain, remain gainfully employed. Employers need to address the needs of their employees who work with chronic pain. pain patients to find strategies to cope with their chronic pain so they can remain gainfully employed.
IMPACT STATEMENT: In a world with a chronic pain public health crisis, the findings from this study suggest potentially successful strategies occupational therapy practitioners can use with chronic pain patients to help them to cope with their chronic pain, so they can remain gainfully employed.
References
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