Perceptions of self-managing pain among individuals with traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: To explore the ways in which individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) self-manage pain in their daily lives.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A semi-structured interview was conducted via Zoom with 30 community-dwelling individuals with TBI and chronic pain. Qualitative analysis focused on two interview questions: (1) what have you tried to help with your pain? and (2) how did you figure out how to manage or cope with pain? Audio transcripts were coded independently by two researchers, using thematic analysis. The codebooks and interpretations were discussed with the study's advisory board, consisting of two people with TBI and chronic pain, two care partners for people with TBI and chronic pain, and two providers for people with TBI and chronic pain.

RESULTS

Four main themes (accessing resources, psychological strategies, behavioral strategies, and religious/spiritual engagement) emerged in capturing how individuals self-managed pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite varying levels of formal knowledge of pain management, individuals with TBI reported utilizing a wide array of strategies to self-manage pain - often informed by "trial-and-error." Guided self-management training may enhance the effectiveness of their approach as well as possibly increase the efficiency in which they develop an effective approach and make subsequent adjustments.