Positive Health Online

Abstract

BENDELOW and WILLIAMS, Department of Applied Social Studies, University of Warwick, Coventry UK write that studies regarding the lay evaluation of pain-relief clinics are rare, particularly in the UK. The authors conducted a small-scale qualitative study which followed the vicissitudes of hope and despair of pain-relief attendees in London. The study demonstrates the complex interplay between peoples pain careers, their styles of adjustment, socio-demographic characteristics, and their evaluations of medical treatment. Unfortunately for many patients, this was the end of the road, their last hope of finding relief. However, the overriding feeling was of medicine having failed these people. The paper discusses these findings and includes discussion for possible future research.

Background

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

References

Bendelow GA and Williams SJ. The end of the road? Lay views on a pain-relief clinic. Soc Sci Med 43(7): 1127-36. Oct 1996.