The lived experience and occupational impact of individuals with Dupuytren's disease: a scoping review

Abstract

Understanding an individual's experience of living with Dupuytren's disease is important to support rehabilitation. The aim of this review was to explore the extent to which the literature provides an understanding of the lived experience of individuals with Dupuytren's disease, including the occupational impact. A scoping review was completed. Three electronic databases were searched, using the terms Dupuytren* and experience. The search yielded 257 articles, and 60 were included in the final review. Most articles (43; 79.62%) made non-specific statements regarding occupational impacts. All articles (100%) included physical factors; 13 (24.07%) affective; five (9.45%) cognitive; and none discussed spirituality. Thematic analysis yielded an overarching theme of the prioritisation of professionals' perspectives. Sub-themes highlighted that most literature focused on a narrow biomedical aspects of the disease and included: a physical or reductionist approach to viewing the condition; glimpses of life with Dupuytren's disease; and a limited focus on the journey. Consultation with occupational therapists confirmed these themes and added discussion points. There is a need for research regarding patient perspectives, including psychosocial factors, so that these are elucidated and prioritised. Further research should also explore how the impact of the condition changes over time, and how individuals cope and adapt.