Qualitative research on pain.
OBJECTIVE
This review brings together developments over the past year in pain research using qualitative methodologies. In line with the goals of the current biopsychosocial model of pain, such a research framework offers in-depth understanding of the experience of pain within its cultural, familial and socioeconomic environmental context.


RESULTS
Using 'qualitative' and 'pain' as title and keyword Medline and CSA database searches, the pain literature revealed four main areas where qualitative studies have contributed significantly to knowledge development. These are: general chronic pain care: perspectives of patients and practitioners; pain experience across the lifespan; psychosocial aspects of back pain; and experience of underresearched conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The detailed insight into subjective experiences of the pain sufferer or healthcare provider offered by qualitative research can make important contributions to evaluating and improving practice and also in theory development.
Mitchell
Laura A
LA
Division of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, City Campus, Glasgow, UK. l.b.mitchell@gcal.ac.uk
MacDonald
Raymond A R
RA
D003469:Culture; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011584:Psychology