Multiple-Case Study Exploration of an Occupational Perspective in a Persistent Pain Clinic

Abstract

There is growing interest in an occupational perspective when working with people experiencing chronic pain. The Activity Card Sort Australia (18-64) is a client-centered and occupation-centered tool that has not been explored with this population. The aim of this study was to explore the process and experience of completing the ACS-Aus (18-64) with people experiencing chronic pain. This observational multiple-case study included video and audio-recordings of three participants (one male, one female, one nonbinary) completing the ACS-Aus (18-64) and semi-structured interviews at 1-week follow-up. Findings The findings for the process included two themes: the interaction (understanding engagement, therapeutic relationship and rapport, motivational interviewing) and the card sort (storytelling and reminiscing, identifying gaps and possibilities, categorizing and grouping cards). Occupational narratives of participants were developed from the experience. The ACS-Aus (18-64) supported participants to re-engage with their occupational selves and imagine future occupational engagement. Longitudinal studies are required to explore outcomes.