Exploring Canadian Veterans' priorities regarding chronic pain research: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of chronic pain among Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force Veterans released from service between 1998 and 2007 is twice as high as the general population, often co-presenting with a mental health condition. In 2020, the Canadian federal government launched the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans (CPCoE). In this study, Canadian Veterans living with chronic noncancer pain shared their perspectives on research priorities for the Centre. Methods: Eleven Canadian Veterans living with chronic noncancer pain were recruited from five provinces across Canada and participated in semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Analysis revealed eight research priorities: 1) pain care in the military, 2) postoperative care in the military, 3) coordination of services through Veterans Affairs, 4) military-to-civilian transition, 5) primary care provider access outside the military, 6) knowledge of pain management among civilian health care providers, 7) engaging Veterans as partners in their care, and 8) identifying effective strategies for chronic pain management. Discussion: Th ese findings will guide research efforts of the new CPCoE.