Voices of Adults Living with Sickle Cell Disease Pain
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Date
2012-12Author
Adegbola, Maxine A.
Barnes, Donelle M.
Opollo, Jackline Gloria
Herr, Keela
Gray, Jennifer R.
McCarthy, Ann Marie
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Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the lived
experiences of adults with sickle cell disease-related pain. Using
a qualitative, phenomenological approach, a purposive sample
of 13 African-American adults living with Sickle Cell Disease
(SCD) was recruited from a national SCD support group. Participants
were asked to describe living with SCD-related pain
and their experiences with pain management. Four themes
emerged from the data: (1) description of the pain experience,
(2) pain scales do not work, (3) managing pain, and (4) managing
relationships. Persons living with SCD need comprehensive
pain assessment from Health-Care Providers [HCPs], who recognize
the impact of pain on their patients’ lives. The findings
support further research aimed at the assessment and management
of SCD-related pain. HCPs are strategically positioned
to improve health outcomes for those with SCD pain by listening
to patients’ unique stories and accurately assessing and
effectively intervening to promote pain relief for patients living
with SCD-related pain.