Presented at the 2013 AAPM Annual Meeting « Back

Using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Methods In Examining The Daily Lives Of Primary Care Patients Living With Chronic Pain

Lorraine S. Wallace, PhD, lorraine.wallace@osumc.edu¹, Randy Wexler, MD MPH¹, Fred Miser, MD², Leon McDougle, MD MPH³, James D. Haddox, DDS MD DABPM MRO⁴, (1) Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, (2) Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, (3) Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, (4) Purdue Pharma L.P., Stamford, Connecticut

Statement of the Problem: CBPR methods are useful in understanding how individuals conceptualize their personal circumstances. PhotoVoice, a CBPR method using photography, is useful in generating relevant images and accompanying stories. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of a combination of CBPR methods—PhotoVoice and focus groups—in examining the daily experiences of primary care patients living with chronic pain. Materials and Methods: All study procedures were approved by the IRB at Ohio State University. During April 2012, a sample of English-speaking primary care patients, aged ≥30 years, prescribed an opioid for long-term, non-cancer pain management was recruited to participate. Patients used a single-use digital camera to record images reflecting their experiences with chronic pain and then participated in a focus group. Focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim in their entirety. Grounded theory methods were used to guide data analysis and interpretation of findings. Results: Nineteen patients (84.2% women; average age = 49.5±13.5 years; 68.4% African-American; 78.9% Medicaid/Medicare; 73.7% poor/fair self-reported health) participated in one of three focus groups. Seven themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) undesired effects of medications; (2) loss of/striving for independence; (3) effect on social interactions/relationships; (4) pain impact on ADL; (5) constant search for convenience/a better situation; (6) interactions with physicians; and (7) frustration/depression with pain. Conclusions: The CBPR methods employed in this study provided deep insight into perceptions and experiences of patients living with chronic pain that is vital for informing future clinical interventions. References: 1) Baker TA, Wang CC. Photovoice: use of a participatory action research method to explore the chronic pain experience in older adults. Qualitative Health Research, 2006;16:1405-1413. 2) Strauss A, Corbin J. Basics of qualitative research: grounded theory procedures and techniques. London: Sage Publishers, 1990. 3) Wang C, Burris MA. Photovoice: concept, methodology, and use for participatory needs assessment. Health Educ & Behavior, 1997;24:369-387.

Funding: Purdue Pharma