title: Chronic pain and the family: the experience of the partners of people living with chronic pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of chronic pain on the partner and family of a person with chronic pain.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Chronic pain impacts not only on the individual but also their partner and/or other family members. Families of people with chronic pain have reported feeling powerless, alienated, emotionally distressed, and isolated. These impacts have affected their relationship with the person with chronic pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  An interpretive qualitative design using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis was undertaken.
  
  
  METHODS
  Purposive sampling and in-depth interviewing were undertaken to develop a rich description of the experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicate the impact of chronic pain on the family is extensive, resulting in physical, social, and emotional changes. Four themes were revealed: (1) Family loss, (2) Life changes, (3) Emotional impact of pain, and (4) Future plans.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study reinforces and expands current knowledge regarding the impact of chronic pain on partners and families. Understanding this phenomenon opens opportunities for nurses and other health workers to develop and implement strategies to better support partners/families in the future.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses can help reduce the negative impact of pain by including families in assessment, education, referral and treatment processes, and by offering support and education to partners/families.
authors: School of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition, James Cook University, Cairns, Qld, Australia. caryn.west@jcu.edu.au
authors: Caryn
authors: C
authors: West
authors: Kim
authors: K
authors: Usher
authors: Kim
authors: K
authors: Foster
authors: Lee
authors: L
authors: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*