The occupational consequences of chronic pain

non-peer-reviewedBackground: Chronic pain is a common disabling condition which affects millions of people every day. It has a negative impact on affected individuals’ quality of life and severely limits occupational engagement and performance. Extensive research has investigated the implications of engaging in occupations while withstanding chronic pain along with occupational therapy interventions for such individuals. Qualitative research has traditionally explored the lived experience and consequences of chronic pain for those who suffer with it. However, thus far, there has been no integration of the findings of such qualitative research. Objectives: The current research paper aimed to examine the existing body of knowledge on the occupational consequences of chronic pain and provides a synthesis of the published findings of the occupational consequences of chronic pain. Methods: Published papers on the research topic were identified, appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and key themes identified and synthesized. A meta-ethnography method of synthesis was used and the techniques of reciprocal translation analysis and line of argument synthesis were employed. Results: Twelve occupational consequences or themes were identified across the twenty-two articles and synthesised using line of argument synthesis including Reduction of and Disengagement from Occupations, Social Consequences and Work and Education Consequences. Conclusion: As there is an increased interest on the application of qualitative synthesis to inform health related policy and practice, the meta-ethnographic synthesis proposed for this research provides synthesized evidence of the occupational consequences of chronic pain the implications of this for clinical practice and suggestions for further research