Holistic strategies for clients suffering from chronic pain (CP) using transdisciplinary communication : a portrait of the insights and experiences of participants in the early stages of developing a chronic pain program by collaborating between independently operating practitioners in a local community
Master Thesis
2016
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Chronic pain (CP) affects millions of people and costs billions of dollars a year (Koch, 2012). The biopsychosocial approach understands that CP is caused by a complex interaction between cognitive, emotional, physical and social factors (Young, 2010). However modern health care is often fragmented leaving choices to clients (Scott, Ruef, Mendel, & Caronna, 2000). Often clients with CP don't receive or seek psychological interventions for a DSM 5 (APA, 2000) classifiable condition. This study focused on an independently operating physiotherapist in the planning phases of developing a holistic intervention at her wellness centre. The goal of the research was to capture a portrait of the insights and experiences of participants in the early phases of planning transdisciplinary teamwork. Thus a qualitative research design was employed to capture the rich subjective experiences and insights of the participants. The physiotherapist selected the sample of: 5 clients, 4 health professionals, and 3 supportive professionals. Together they attempted to create a holistic strategy for CP. Three types of qualitative data collection were used namely: interviews, focus and collaborative learning groups. Data analysis followed Braun and Clark's (2006) six-phase guide. The aim of this study was to encourage change in the local context and to inspire others in different context to attempt holistic practice. The study found that implementing holistic teamwork was a lengthy and challenging process. Theory underlying treatment needed to be defined first and it was hard to reach consensus. Strategizing for holistic work was challenging, as it did not just involve combining treatments but creating an individual systemic non-linear process. Good communication was vital to the process and this again involved time, which was is not covered by medical aids. In terms of strategy what was highlighted is that the client needed to change their way of relating to their CP, as although sensory pain may not be diminished the suffering of the client would decrease. Of interest was whether CP was a new culture bound form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resembling our modern trauma's as much of the descriptions about CP matched PTSD symptomology. Further more focused study on each of the broad areas covered as well as the involvement of specialised expertise in the areas of ethics, and business management would be needed to commence transdisciplinary holistic teamwork.
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Laskey, J. 2016. Holistic strategies for clients suffering from chronic pain (CP) using transdisciplinary communication : a portrait of the insights and experiences of participants in the early stages of developing a chronic pain program by collaborating between independently operating practitioners in a local community. University of Cape Town.