Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2022

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis

Source ISSN

1569-1993

Abstract

Background

Chronic pain is common among people living with cystic fibrosis (CF) and associated with worse clinical outcomes. Despite this, little is known about how pain is managed and how opioids are used to treat pain. The purpose of this convergent mixed methods study was to examine self-reported satisfaction and effectiveness of pain management strategies among a sample of adults with CF who are prescribed opioids.

Methods

We developed an online survey querying 4 domains - demographics, pain characteristics, pain communication, and management strategies. This was distributed nationally to adults with CF (n=48) via various online platforms. We obtained quantitative and qualitative responses regarding satisfaction and effectiveness of pain management. Emerged themes from qualitative data were compared with responses from quantitative survey domains.

Results

Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and effectiveness with their opioid pain management plans. However, qualitative themes emerged regarding fears of addiction, experiences of feeling stigmatized by the healthcare system and ineffectiveness and inefficiency of alternative therapies for adequate pain relief.

Conclusions

Adults with CF reported opioids as an important component of their current pain management plans despite risks associated with opioid use. CF-specific pain management guideline development is warranted as is further research exploring pain development.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, Vol. 21, No. 1 (January 2022): e15-e22. DOI. © 2022 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Jessica L. Zemlak was affiliated with Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing at the time of publication.

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