Raising Awareness of Pain in Older People

Project Duration

April 2007 - March 2008

Funder

Help the Aged and The Pain Society

Aims

The aim of this study was to learn about the experiences of living and coping with chronic pain from older people.

Methods

A qualitative approach was chosen using semi structured interviews. Two 'listening events' were convened to which older people will be invited who have experienced pain to share their experiences and concerns. .The first event took form of a group interview which was organised with members of Action on Pain support group in an urban area of South England. Members of BackCare in a rural area in Northern England comprised the second group. These events aimed to work in a facilitated and safe environment with small groups of older people to explore their experiences, concerns and anxieties around their experiences of pain. Seventeen people (14 female and three male) were interviewed, with an average age of 64 years. The interviews were audio-taped and following an iterative process. The research began with the raising of generative questions to guide the research until 'saturation' was achieved and the research team was satisfied no new ideas were emerging

Outcomes and Findings

The project identified a number of themes that reflected older peoples' experience of living with chronic pain. A range of experiences were highlighted including the impact that pain has on the older person's life. Older people developed a range of coping strategies although the wide ranging impact on their quality of life where highlighted pain resulting in limited activity impact on relationships and social isolation. Older people reported variable experiences of health care and fears and anxieties about treatments.