Exploring the concept of Total Pain in contemporary oncology palliative care: a qualitative study on patients' resources

BACKGROUND: According to the concept of Total Pain proposed by Cicely Saunders (1967), the treatment of pain for patients in need of palliative care requires considering its multidimensional nature, encompassing physical, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects. The aim of this study was to update the concept of Total Pain and explore the resources used by patients with cancer. METHODS: Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in one oncology center and one oncology rehabilitation center (median age = 70.5, range 55-77; 8 women). The interview guide explored various dimensions of suffering, including physical (e.g., pain), social (e.g., isolation), psychological (e.g., emotional state), and spiritual (e.g., the role of spirituality in illness experience), as well as connections to nature, and patients' internal and external resources related to each sphere of suffering. Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA) was employed to analyze the interviews. RESULTS: The findings highlight several important aspects of suffering: the unpredictability of pain (physical sphere), loss of social roles (social sphere), negative affects (psychological sphere), evocation of the end of life (spiritual sphere), and loss of contact with nature. Besides in terms of resources, the study identifies several key coping mechanisms, such as mind-body practices for relieving physical and psychological pain, distraction engaging with the environment, nature as a source of positive emotions, and the search for meaning. CONCLUSIONS: Despite experiencing total pain, some patients utilize internal and external protective resources in the face of life-threatening illness. These findings underscore the importance of viewing Total Pain under its multidimensional aspect and as a dynamic process involving the individual's connection with their community and environment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study received approval from the Ethical Committee of CPP SUD EST 1 (National number: 2019-A02263-54).