Halverson CME, Doyle TA. Patients' strategies for numeric pain assessment: a qualitative interview study of individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Disabil Rehabil 2024;
46:1527-1533. [PMID:
37067184 PMCID:
PMC10579449 DOI:
10.1080/09638288.2023.2200039]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Chronic pain is a common feature of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), yet how patients assess and communicate their pain remains poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to explore the use of numeric pain assessment in individuals with hEDS, from a patient-centered perspective.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Our analysis is based on in-depth qualitative interviews. The interviews were conducted over the phone. Our participants were patients living with hEDS (N = 35). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify factors related to their use of these pain assessment instruments.
RESULTS
Three primary themes emerged from these data, namely, (1) confusion around the quantification of multidimensional pain, (2) the subjectivity of pain experience, and (3) a strategic use of assessments for practical purposes beyond the accurate representation of pain.
These results demonstrate the need for caution in relying exclusively on numeric pain assessment instruments. We conclude with a brief proposal for a clinical communication strategy that may help to address the limitations of numeric pain assessment that were identified in our interviews.
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