Patients' strategies for numeric pain assessment: a qualitative interview study of individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose Chronic pain is a common feature of hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), yet how patients assess and communicate their pain remains poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to explore the use of numeric pain assessment in individuals with hEDS, from a patient-centered perspective.

Materials and methods Our analysis is based on in-depth qualitative interviews. The interviews were conducted over the phone. Our participants were patients living with hEDS (N = 35). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify factors related to their use of these pain assessment instruments.

Results Three primary themes emerged from these data, namely, (1) confusion around the quantification of multidimensional pain, (2) the subjectivity of pain experience, and (3) a strategic use of assessments for practical purposes beyond the accurate representation of pain.

Conclusions These results demonstrate the need for caution in relying exclusively on numeric pain assessment instruments. We conclude with a brief proposal for a clinical communication strategy that may help to address the limitations of numeric pain assessment that were identified in our interviews.