The Empowerment Experience of Elders with Chronic Pain: A Qualitative Study

• Main Authors: Yan-Chun Lai, 賴彥君
• Other Authors: Chang-Chih Kuo
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/x75yu5

碩士 === 高雄醫學大學 === 職能治療學研究所 === 102 === Introduction Due to the scarcity of researches focused on thorough discussion on the interactions of the individual, culture, and the environment while living with chronic pain. This study has two primary goals. The first is to investigate the empowerment experience of Taiwanese elders with chronic pain. The second is to construct their model of empowerment. Research Methods This study employed grounded theory. Data were collected through semistructured, one-on-one interviews conducted by the researcher. All interviews were transcribed and Atlas ti software was utilized in coding and analyzing. Several strategies were also used to ensure truth worthiness of this qualitative study. Results A total of 16 participants, including 6 males and 10 females, were recruited and interviewed. The average age was 70.63 years old, and the average NRS digital scale score was 5.68 points. The empowerment model of Taiwanese elders with chronic pain emerged from the interview data. It included two dimensions: (1) use of abundant experiences, and (2) reshape of self-concept and image; and four domains: (1) self-interpreted endurance, and (2) new strategies adoption in order to maintain daily life patterns, (3) empowerment through social networking, (4) medical intervention. Discussion and Conclusion The study found that elders living with chronic pain acquired an unexpected growth, and transformed their pain experiences into a positive sense of inner strength; another unique finding was the display of the active endurance of pain. In addition, the participants developed their own interpretation and judgment on any medical-related interventions.