What is it about?
This paper describes the experiences of a sample of people with Fibromyalgia in the UK. A qualitative approach was used to explore the detail of these experiences using in-depth interviews and the data were analysed to distinguish common features. The day-to-day experience of being treated was focused on to enable a deeper understanding of which treatments were not only effective but how they can improve but also disrupt the lives of our participants. These findings inform our ongoing project to quantify the efficacy of current treatments and consider potential improvements to treatment plans.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
Fibromyalgia can be a severe and life-limiting condition which substantially affects the lives of those living with it, their families and friends. Without a clear and effective treatment plan, many people with fibromyalgia are left unsatisfied by their experiences with healthcare providers. This paper allows some of these people to describe the fragmented nature of help within the UK and starts to consider the opportunities for successful (but also realistic) treatments.
Perspectives
I am continually amazed by the time and honesty afforded to me and my team by the individuals, support groups and organisations who have helped in this ongoing project. There is a real determination that the profile of this condition needs to be raised within the UK with many still facing a lack of understanding or even people continuing to question the authenticity of fibromyalgia. I hope this project can not only be successful in providing improved information and treatment plans to those living with fibromyalgia but also increase pubic awareness of what it is like to live with the condition.
Simon Ashe
Sheffield Hallam University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A qualitative exploration of the experiences of living with and being treated for fibromyalgia, Health Psychology Open, July 2017, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/2055102917724336.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
