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Allaire C, Yong PJ, Bajzak K, Jarrell J, Lemos N, Miller C, Morin M, Nasr-Esfahani M, Singh SS, Chen I. Directive clinique n o445 : Gestion de la douleur pelvienne chronique. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102284. [PMID: 38341222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.102284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
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Allaire C, Yong PJ, Bajzak K, Jarrell J, Lemos N, Miller C, Morin M, Nasr-Esfahani M, Singh SS, Chen I. Guideline No. 445: Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102283. [PMID: 38341225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of chronic pelvic pain in females. TARGET POPULATION This guideline is specific to pelvic pain in adolescent and adult females and excluded literature that looked at pelvic pain in males. It also did not address genital pain. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS The intent is to benefit patients with chronic pelvic pain by providing an evidence-based approach to management. Access to certain interventions such as physiotherapy and psychological treatments, and to interdisciplinary care overall, may be limited by costs and service availability. EVIDENCE Medline and the Cochrane Database from 1990 to 2020 were searched for articles in English on subjects related to chronic pelvic pain, including diagnosis, overlapping pain conditions, central sensitization, management, medications, surgery, physiotherapy, psychological therapies, alternative and complementary therapies, and multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care. The committee reviewed the literature and available data and used a consensus approach to develop recommendations. Only articles in English and pertaining to female subjects were included. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE Family physicians, gynaecologists, urologists, pain specialists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Management of chronic pelvic pain should consider multifactorial contributors, including underlying central sensitization/nociplastic pain, and employ an interdisciplinary biopsychosocial approach that includes pain education, physiotherapy, and psychological & medical treatments. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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van Rysewyk S, Blomkvist R, Chuter A, Crighton R, Hodson F, Roomes D, Smith BH, Toye F. Understanding the lived experience of chronic pain: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative evidence syntheses. Br J Pain 2023; 17:592-605. [PMID: 37969135 PMCID: PMC10642495 DOI: 10.1177/20494637231196426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although multiple measures of the causes and consequences of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) are available and can inform pain management, no quantitative summary of these measures can describe the meaning of pain for a patient. The lived experience of pain tends to be a blind spot in pain management. This study aimed to: (1) integrate qualitative research investigating the lived experience of a range of CNCP conditions; (2) establish common qualitative themes in CNCP experience; and (3) evaluate the relevance of our results through a survey questionnaire based on these themes, administered across the United Kingdom. Methods Four bibliographic databases were searched from inception to February 2021 to identify Qualitative Evidence Syntheses (QES) that investigated the lived experience of CNCP and its impact on everyday life and activities. Themes and trends were derived by thematic qualitative analysis in collaboration with two patient and public involvement representatives who co-created twenty survey statements. The survey was developed for testing the QES themes for validity in people living with pain. Results The research team identified and screened 1323 titles, and considered 86 abstracts, including 20 in the final review. Eight themes were developed from the study findings: (1) my pain gives rise to negative emotions; (2) changes to my life and to myself; (3) adapting to my new normal; (4) effects of my pain management strategies; (5) hiding and showing my pain; (6) medically explaining my pain; (7) relationships to those around me; and (8) working while in pain. Each theme gave rise to one or two survey questions. The survey was shared with members of the UK pain community over a 2-week period in November 2021, and was completed by 1219 people, largely confirming the above themes. Conclusion/Implications This study provides a validated summary of the lived experience of CNCP. It highlights the adverse nature, complications, and consequences of living with CNCP in the UK and the multiple shortcomings in the ways in which pain is addressed by others in the UK. Our findings are consistent with published meta-ethnographies on chronic non-malignant musculoskeletal pain and chronic low-back pain. Despite the underrepresentation of qualitative research in the pain literature compared to quantitative approaches, for understanding the complexity of the lived experience of pain, qualitative research is an essential tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon van Rysewyk
- Department of Philosophy and Gender Studies, School of Humanities, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Renée Blomkvist
- Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Rhea Crighton
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Barnstaple, UK
| | | | | | - Blair H Smith
- Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Francine Toye
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Ghai V, Subramanian V, Jan H, Thakar R, Doumouchtsis SK. A meta-synthesis of qualitative literature on female chronic pelvic pain for the development of a core outcome set: a systematic review. Int Urogynecol J 2021; 32:1187-1194. [PMID: 33822256 PMCID: PMC8139940 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-04713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Qualitative research has an increasing role in the development of core outcome sets (COS) adding patient perspectives to the considerations of core outcomes. We aimed to identify priorities of women with experience of chronic pelvic pain (CPP). METHODS The search strategy was a systematic review of qualitative studies identified from Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycInfo databases. Selection criteria were qualitative studies exploring the experience of women with CPP. Two independent researchers extracted data and summarized findings using thematic analysis. A CERQual assessment was performed to assess the confidence of review findings. RESULTS We identified pertinent issues affecting women with CPP including the lack of holistic care, influence of psychosocial factors and the impact of pain on quality of life. Five meta-themes central to delivering a patient-centred approach were highlighted: acceptance of pain, quality of life, management of CPP, communication and support. Management of CPP was the most commonly reported meta-theme across seven studies and half of studies reported quality of life, management, communication and support. Quality appraisal of included studies identified only a single study that met all CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) criteria. There was high confidence in the evidence for acceptance of pain, quality of life and communication meta-themes. CONCLUSION Meta-themes revealed by this review should be considered as a priority and reflected in outcomes reported by future studies evaluating interventions for CPP. In addition, these themes should be considered by clinicians managing women with CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishalli Ghai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Dorking Road, London, KT18 7EG UK
- St George’s University of London, Crammer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE UK
| | - Venkatesh Subramanian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Dorking Road, London, KT18 7EG UK
| | - Haider Jan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Dorking Road, London, KT18 7EG UK
| | - Ranee Thakar
- Department of Urogynaecology, Croydon University Hospital NHS Trust, London, CR7 7YE UK
| | - Stergios K. Doumouchtsis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Dorking Road, London, KT18 7EG UK
- St George’s University of London, Crammer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE UK
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, Sint Maarten
| | - CHORUS: An International Collaboration for Harmonising Outcomes, Research and Standards in Urogynaecology and Women’s Health
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Dorking Road, London, KT18 7EG UK
- St George’s University of London, Crammer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE UK
- Department of Urogynaecology, Croydon University Hospital NHS Trust, London, CR7 7YE UK
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, Sint Maarten
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Toye F, Belton J, Hannink E, Seers K, Barker K. A Healing Journey with Chronic Pain: A Meta-Ethnography Synthesizing 195 Qualitative Studies. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:1333-1344. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
There is a large body of research exploring what it means for a person to live with chronic pain. However, existing research does not help us understand what it means to recover. We aimed to identify qualitative research that explored the experience of living with chronic pain published since 2012 and to understand the process of recovery.
Design
A synthesis of qualitative research using meta-ethnography.
Methods
We used the seven stages of meta-ethnography. We systematically searched for qualitative research, published since 2012, that explored adults’ experiences of living with, and being treated for, chronic pain. We used constant comparison to distill the essence of ideas into themes and developed a conceptual model.
Results
We screened 1,328 titles and included 195 studies. Our conceptual model indicates that validation and reconnection can empower a person with chronic pain to embark on a journey of healing. To embark on this journey requires commitment, energy, and support.
Conclusions
The innovation of our study is to conceptualize healing as an ongoing and iterating journey rather than a destination. Health interventions for chronic pain would usefully focus on validating pain through meaningful and acceptable explanations; validating patients by listening to and valuing their stories; encouraging patients to connect with a meaningful sense of self, to be kind to themselves, and to explore new possibilities for the future; and facilitating safe reconnection with the social world. This could make a real difference to people living with chronic pain who are on their own healing journeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Toye
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Erin Hannink
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Seers
- Warwick Research in Nursing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Barker
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Toye F, Seers K, Barker K. "It's like she's talking about me" - Exploring the value and potential impact of a YouTube film presenting a qualitative evidence synthesis about chronic pain: An analysis of online comments. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PAIN-REVUE CANADIENNE DE LA DOULEUR 2020; 4:61-70. [PMID: 33987512 PMCID: PMC7942787 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2020.1785853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background There is very limited research exploring the value and impact of qualitative research in chronic pain despite the large volume of research. Aims The aim of this study was to find out whether viewers’ comments in response to a YouTube film, portraying findings from a qualitative evidence synthesis about living with pain, revealed any potential value or impact to viewers. Methods We collected online data posted in response to the film Struggling to Be Me. We used themes from a large review of qualitative research as an a priori analytic framework. We used inductive thematic analysis to distil the essence of data that did not fit this framework. A thematic analysis of online comments to evaluate the impact of an arts-based health research film on people living with chronic pain is presented. Results We developed two inductive themes that explored the value and potential impact of watching the film online: (1) It has given voice to our suffering and (2) it makes me feel that I am not alone. Two subthemes added insight to the a priori framework: First, I have had enough of me added insight to the theme my life is impoverished and confined; second, I am treated like a criminal because I take opioids added insight to the theme lost personal credibility. Conclusions Our findings indicate that watching the YouTube film has potential value and impact, giving voice to suffering and making people feel that they are not alone. There are specific ethical challenges relating to internet-mediated research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Toye
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Seers
- Warwick Research in Nursing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Karen Barker
- Physiotherapy Research Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Mellado BH, Pilger TL, Poli Neto OB, Rosa E Silva JC, Nogueira AA, do Vale Brandão C, Candido Dos Reis FJ. Daily life attitudes of women with moderate or severe chronic pelvic pain. A qualitative study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 254:109-113. [PMID: 32950889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE How a woman copes with the pain might play a significant role in the management of chronic pelvic pain. This study aimed to understand the attitudes adopted by women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) to deal with daily life problems caused by the illness. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a qualitative study including 58 women diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain regardless of the cause. To collect the data, we used semi-structured interviews with the key question: "How do you handle the pain in your daily life?". The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of transcribed texts following the sequence: 1) initial reading; 2) preliminary identification of codes; 3) identification of themes; 4) review of themes; 5) nominating the themes in categories; 6) final study synthesis. The analysis was performed with the aid of the RQDA package in the R environment. RESULTS Daily life attitudes varied from submission to the pain to positive coping. We identified five major categories: 1) shaping life by pain; 2) isolating from social contact; 3) avoiding sexual relationship; 4) seeking pain relief; 5) seeking positive strategies. Positive strategies were more frequent in older women. CONCLUSION Women with chronic pelvic pain adopted a broad spectrum of attitudes to deal with the pain in daily life. The depth understanding of patient perspectives has the potential to improve the multidisciplinary care of this debilitating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Helena Mellado
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine - University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Taynara Louisi Pilger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine - University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Omero Benedicto Poli Neto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine - University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar Rosa E Silva
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine - University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Alberto Nogueira
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine - University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Toye F, Seers K, Barker KL. Living life precariously with rheumatoid arthritis - a mega-ethnography of nine qualitative evidence syntheses. BMC Rheumatol 2019; 3:5. [PMID: 30886993 PMCID: PMC6390589 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-018-0049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation. It affects around 400,000 people in the UK and 1 million adults in the USA. Given the appropriate treatment, many can have relatively few symptoms. It is therefore important to understand what it is like to live with rheumatoid arthritis and gain insight into peoples’ decisions about utilising healthcare. The aims of this study were: (1) to bring together qualitative evidence syntheses that explore patients’ experience of living with rheumatoid arthritis and (2) develop a conceptual understanding of what it is like to live with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods We used the methods of mega-ethnography. The innovation of mega-ethnography is to use conceptual findings from qualitative evidence syntheses as primary data. We searched four bibliographic databases from inception until September 2018 to identify qualitative evidence syntheses that explored patients’ experience of rheumatoid arthritis. Results We identified 373 qualitative evidence syntheses, removed 179 duplicates and screened 194 full text studies. We identified 42 qualitative evidence syntheses that explored the experience of pain or arthritis and 9 of these explored the experience of rheumatoid arthritis. We abstracted ideas into 10 conceptual categories: (1) rheumatoid arthritis is in control of my body (2) rheumatoid arthritis alters reciprocity; (3) rheumatoid arthritis is an emotional challenge; (4) rheumatoid arthritis disrupts my present and future self; (5) the challenge of balancing personal and work life; (6) I am trying to make sense of what is happening; (7) rheumatoid arthritis is variable and unpredictable; (8) rheumatoid arthritis is invisible; (9) I need a positive experience of healthcare, and (10) I need to reframe the situation. We developed a conceptual model underpinned by living life precariously with rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusions This is the second mega-ethnography, or synthesis of qualitative evidence syntheses using the methods of meta-ethnography. Future research should consider the proliferation of qualitative evidence synthesis in order to avoid duplication of research effort. Our model for rheumatoid arthritis has some important clinical implications that might be transferable to other musculoskeletal conditions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s41927-018-0049-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fran Toye
- 1Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,2Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Seers
- 3Warwick Research in Nursing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Karen Louise Barker
- 1Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,2Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Lennox Thompson B, Gage J, Kirk R. Living well with chronic pain: a classical grounded theory. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 42:1141-1152. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1517195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Lennox Thompson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jeffrey Gage
- College of Nursing, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ray Kirk
- UC Health, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Toye F, Seers K, Hannink E, Barker K. A mega-ethnography of eleven qualitative evidence syntheses exploring the experience of living with chronic non-malignant pain. BMC Med Res Methodol 2017; 17:116. [PMID: 28764666 PMCID: PMC5540410 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-017-0392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each year over five million people develop chronic non-malignant pain and can experience healthcare as an adversarial struggle. The aims of this study were: (1) to bring together qualitative evidence syntheses that explore patients' experience of living with chronic non-malignant pain and develop conceptual understanding of what it is like to live with chronic non-malignant pain for improved healthcare; (2) to undertake the first mega-ethnography of qualitative evidence syntheses using the methods of meta-ethnography. METHODS We used the seven stages of meta-ethnography refined for large studies. The innovation of mega-ethnography is to use conceptual findings from qualitative evidence syntheses as primary data. We searched 7 bibliographic databases from inception until February 2016 to identify qualitative evidence syntheses that explored patients' experience of living with chronic non-malignant pain. RESULTS We identified 82 potential studies from 556 titles, screened 34 full text articles and included 11 qualitative evidence syntheses synthesising a total of 187 qualitative studies reporting more than 5000 international participants living with chronic pain. We abstracted concepts into 7 conceptual categories: (1) my life is impoverished and confined; (2) struggling against my body to be me; (3) the quest for the diagnostic 'holy grail'; (4) lost personal credibility; (5) trying to keep up appearances; (6) need to be treated with dignity; and (7) deciding to end the quest for the grail is not easy. Each conceptual category was supported by at least 7 of the 11 qualitative evidence syntheses. CONCLUSIONS This is the first mega-ethnography, or synthesis of qualitative evidence syntheses using the methods of meta-ethnography. Findings help us to understand that the decision to end the quest for a diagnosis can leave patients feeling vulnerable and this may contribute to the adversarial nature of the clinical encounter. This knowledge demonstrates that treating a patient with a sense that they are worthy of care and hearing their story is not an adjunct to, but integral to health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fran Toye
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Seers
- Royal College of Nursing Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Erin Hannink
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Karen Barker
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Toye F, Seers K, Barker K. A meta-ethnography of patients' experiences of chronic pelvic pain: struggling to construct chronic pelvic pain as 'real'. J Adv Nurs 2014; 70:2713-27. [PMID: 25081990 DOI: 10.1111/jan.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To review systematically and integrate the findings of qualitative research to increase our understanding of patients' experiences of chronic pelvic pain. BACKGROUND Chronic pelvic pain is a prevalent pain condition with a high disease burden for men and women. Its multifactorial nature makes it challenging for clinicians and patients. DESIGN Synthesis of qualitative research using meta-ethnography. DATA SOURCES Five electronic bibliographic databases from inception until March 2014 supplemented by citation tracking. Of 488 papers retrieved, 32 met the review aim. REVIEW METHODS Central to meta-ethnography is identifying 'concepts' and developing a conceptual model through constant comparison. Concepts are the primary data of meta-ethnography. Two team members read each paper to identify and collaboratively describe the concepts. We next compared concepts across studies and organized them into categories with shared meaning. Finally, we developed a conceptual model, or line of argument, to explain the conceptual categories. RESULTS Our findings incorporate the following categories into a conceptual model: relentless and overwhelming pain; threat to self; unpredictability, struggle to construct pain as normal or pathological; a culture of secrecy; validation by diagnosis; ambiguous experience of health care; elevation of experiential knowledge and embodiment of knowledge through a community. CONCLUSION The innovation of our model is to demonstrate, for the first time, the central struggle to construct 'pathological' vs. 'normal' chronic pelvic pain, a struggle that is exacerbated by a culture of secrecy. More research is needed to explore men's experience and to compare this with women's experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Toye
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
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