The Phenomenon of Pain in Adults With Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Background

People with intellectual disability are vulnerable to developing and experiencing pain, indeed more pain, due to comorbidities and secondary conditions. Their pain may also be underestimated or poorly managed, due to difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication. Improved understanding could have positive implications for pain assessment and management practices.

Method

This systematic review synthesised findings from seven qualitative studies regarding the phenomenon of pain for people with intellectual disability, using a meta-ethnographic approach.

Results

Findings offer different perspectives about the recognition of multiple causes of pain, individual differences in the expression of pain, and decision-making about the assessment and treatment of pain. A tentative model is presented.

Conclusion

There are only a small number of qualitative studies examining this topic. Further research is needed to fully understand pain for people with intellectual disability. Recognition should be given to the impact of wider factors on the pain experience.