Life stories of people on sick leave from work because of mild mental illness, pain and fatigue

Brataas, Hildfrid V.; Evensen, Aud E.

doi:10.3233/wor-152106

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…We excluded 14 studies for the following reasons: it was not primary qualitative study (45), we were unable to extract a concept (46)(47)(48)(49)(50), or the study was outside our scope. For example, the findings did not distinguish chronic pain experience from other conditions (51) or from acute pain (52)(53)(54)(55), or reported mixed (56,57) or irrelevant samples (58). We included 195 reports (59-253) of 170 unique studies, exploring the experience of at least 3589 people (1002 men) with chronic pain.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Healing Journey with Chronic Pain: A Meta-Ethnography Synthesizing 195 Qualitative Studies

Toye

Belton²,

Hannink

et al. 2021

Pain Medicine

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Objective There is a large body of research exploring what it means for a person to live with chronic pain. However, existing research does not help us understand what it means to recover. We aimed to identify qualitative research that explored the experience of living with chronic pain published since 2012 and to understand the process of recovery. Design A synthesis of qualitative research using meta-ethnography. Methods We used the seven stages of meta-ethnography. We systematically searched for qualitative research, published since 2012, that explored adults’ experiences of living with, and being treated for, chronic pain. We used constant comparison to distill the essence of ideas into themes and developed a conceptual model. Results We screened 1,328 titles and included 195 studies. Our conceptual model indicates that validation and reconnection can empower a person with chronic pain to embark on a journey of healing. To embark on this journey requires commitment, energy, and support. Conclusions The innovation of our study is to conceptualize healing as an ongoing and iterating journey rather than a destination. Health interventions for chronic pain would usefully focus on validating pain through meaningful and acceptable explanations; validating patients by listening to and valuing their stories; encouraging patients to connect with a meaningful sense of self, to be kind to themselves, and to explore new possibilities for the future; and facilitating safe reconnection with the social world. This could make a real difference to people living with chronic pain who are on their own healing journeys.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Healing Journey with Chronic Pain: A Meta-Ethnography Synthesizing 195 Qualitative Studies

Toye

Belton²,

Hannink

et al. 2021

Pain Medicine

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“…The importance of psychosocial factors in the RTW process are also demonstrated in findings that stressful family situations and a demanding work life are common experiences among long-term sick-listed individuals (Sandmark and Renstig, 2010;Frederiksen et al, 2015;Brataas and Evensen, 2016;Corbière et al, 2016). Meta-syntheses of qualitative RTW research also point to the disruption of social life during sick leave, stressful work situations, and the importance of supportive workplace for RTW, as common experiences (Froud et al, 2014;Thisted et al, 2018;Grant et al, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Health, Work, and Family Strain – Psychosocial Experiences at the Early Stages of Long-Term Sickness Absence

et al. 2021

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BackgroundKnowledge about the psychosocial experiences of sick-listed workers in the first months of sick leave is sparse even though early interventions are recommended. The aim of this study was to explore psychosocial experiences of being on sick leave and thoughts about returning to work after 8–12 weeks of sickness absence.MethodsSixteen individuals at 9–13 weeks of sick leave participated in semi-structured individual interviews. Data was analyzed through Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method.ResultsThree themes emerged: (1) energy depleted, (2) losing normal life, (3) searching for a solution. A combination of health, work, and family challenges contributed to being drained of energy, which affected both work- and non-work roles. Being on sick leave led to a loss of social arenas and their identity as a contributing member of society. Participants required assistance to find solutions toward returning to work.ConclusionEven in this early stage of long-term sick leave, sick listed workers faced complex challenges in multiple domains. Continuing sick leave was experienced as necessary but may challenge personal identity and social life. Those not finding solutions may benefit from additional early follow-up that examine work-related, social and personal factors that influence return to work.

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“… 23 Other studies have explored the phenomenon on a descriptive level. 24 Yet, researchers have been encouraged to go beyond description and towards interpretative engagement while performing qualitative analyses of pain. 11 In line with this approach, we sought to understand the essential meaning of sick leave due to chronic pain.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These studies found that the women felt excluded and rejected,22 struggling with an invisible physical ailment 23. Other studies have explored the phenomenon on a descriptive level 24. Yet, researchers have been encouraged to go beyond description and towards interpretative engagement while performing qualitative analyses of pain 11.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suffering out of sight but not out of mind – interpreting experiences of sick leave due to chronic pain in a community setting: a qualitative study

et al. 2023

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ObjectiveChronic pain is a complex health problem affecting about one-fifth of the European population. It is a leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide, with serious personal, relational and socioeconomic consequences. Chronic pain and sick leave adversely affect health and quality of life. Thus, understanding this phenomenon is essential for reducing suffering, understanding the need for support and promoting a rapid return to work and an active lifestyle. This study aimed to describe and interpret persons’ experiences of being on sick leave due to chronic pain.DesignA qualitative study with semistructured interviews analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach.SettingParticipants were recruited from a community setting in Sweden.ParticipantsFourteen participants (12 women) with experiences of part-time or full-time sick leave from work due to chronic pain were included in the study.ResultsSuffering out of sight but not out of mind was the main theme of the qualitative analysis. This theme implies that the participants’ constant suffering was invisible to others, causing them to feel they were not being justly treated in society. Feeling overlooked led to a continuous struggle for recognition. Moreover, the participants’ identities and their trust in themselves and their bodies were challenged. However, our study also revealed a nuanced understanding of the experiences of sick leave as a consequence of chronic pain, where the participants learnt important lessons, including coping strategies and re-evaluated priorities.ConclusionsBeing on sick leave due to chronic pain threatens a person’s integrity and leads to substantial suffering. An enhanced understanding of the meaning of sick leave due to chronic pain provides important considerations for their care and support. This study highlights the importance of feeling acknowledged and being met with justice in encounters with others.

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Life stories of people on sick leave from work because of mild mental illness, pain and fatigue

Cited by 6 publications

References 19 publications

A Healing Journey with Chronic Pain: A Meta-Ethnography Synthesizing 195 Qualitative Studies

A Healing Journey with Chronic Pain: A Meta-Ethnography Synthesizing 195 Qualitative Studies

Health, Work, and Family Strain – Psychosocial Experiences at the Early Stages of Long-Term Sickness Absence

Suffering out of sight but not out of mind – interpreting experiences of sick leave due to chronic pain in a community setting: a qualitative study

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