Qualitative study of pain of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
published online 16 October 2009. Corrected Proof
Objective
This study evaluated the pain experiences of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Sample
We studied 16 patients with severe COPD.
Design
A semistructured interview was performed to obtain information on patients' experiences with pain and the impact of pain on quality of life (QOL). Data were analyzed using the methodology of Kvale.
Results
Three main themes emerged: incomprehensible and unbearable pain; locked in my body and shut out from the world; and the vicious COPD circle. Patients reported moderate to severe pain located primarily in the shoulders, neck, upper arms, and chest. Patients reported a number of severe symptoms occurring simultaneously, and negatively affecting each other. Vicious circles of pain, breathlessness, sleep disturbance, and anxiety were described as exerting negative effects on patients' QOL.
Conclusion
Unrelieved pain appears to be a significant problem in patients with COPD. Research is warranted to determine if pain is clustered with other symptoms, and how these symptoms affect the clinical management of COPD.
aFaculty of Nursing, Oslo University College, Oslo, Norway
bDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
cDepartment of Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
dDepartment of Physiological Nursing, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
eCenter for Shared Decision Making and Nursing Research, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
Address correspondence to: Professor Tone Rustøen Center for Shared Decision Making and Nursing Research, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, 0023, Oslo, Norway Phone: +47 23075462.
ABSTRACT