Lived and Care Experiences of Chronic Musculoskeletal Shoulder Pain in Australian Adults: A Qualitative Study

Australian evidence on lived and care experiences of chronic musculoskeletal shoulder pain (CMSP), irrespective of disorder classification or disease, is limited. However, such evidence is important for person-centered care and informing local service pathways and care guidelines or standards. To address this gap, we explored the lived experiences of adults with CMSP across domains of the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, and their care experiences, preferences, and priorities for CMSP.

This was a qualitative study that applied a phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was conducted with adults experiencing CMSP. Individual semistructured interviews, informed by ICF domains, explored lived and care experiences/preferences of the participants. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach, by objective.

Twenty adults (50% female) with diverse CMSP conditions/diagnoses, clinical profiles, and age (21-78 years) participated. Five lived experience themes were identified: 1) impact on body functioning; 2) impact on sleep, energy, and drive; 3) impact on mental well-being and evolving sense of self; 4) coping with CMSP; and 5) social support and participation. Four care experience themes were included: 1) care-seeking choices; 2) interactions with health care professionals (HCPs); and 3) values and preferences for components of CMSP care.

Adults with CMSP experience impacts across life stages in multiple domains of functioning (ICF categories) relating to personal and social dimensions. Clinical encounters, particularly interactions with HCPs, influence an individual's confidence and engagement in their CMSP care. Discussion, education, and goal setting through shared decision-making are valued attributes of clinical encounters among people with CMSP.