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Simple Summary: People with aging or ill family members often fill the role of caretaker. Companion dogs are often viewed as family members and because they age more rapidly than people and have shorter lifespans, having a dog often includes caring for it during its senior years. Caring for an elderly dog can be physically and emotionally challenging, yet we know little about how caring for an aging dog impacts guardians' lives. This study was designed to better understand dog guardians' experiences and perceptions related to caring for their aging dog. We asked dog guardians to complete an online anonymous survey, resulting in a sample size of 284 participants. We found that the impact on guardians when caring for an aging dog appear to share many similarities with caregivers of human family members. Our results suggest that, for many guardians, caring for an aging dog is a complex dynamic with both positive and negative factors that offers an opportunity to deepen the human-animal bond and create positive, rewarding experiences and memories. Companion dogs are increasingly popular, 38.4% of households in the United States include at least one dog. There are numerous benefits to sharing one's home with a dog, but because they age more rapidly than people and have shorter lifespans, acquiring a dog often includes caring for it during its senior years. Caring for an elderly dog can be physically and emotionally challenging, yet the impact on guardians' lives when caring for an aging dog has received minimal scientific attention. This study was designed to better understand dog guardians' experiences and perceptions related to caring for their aging dog. Utilizing an exploratory mixed methods design, this study asked dog guardians to complete an online anonymous survey. From a total of 284 participants, we found that the impact on guardians when caring for an aging dog appears to share many similarities with caregivers of human family members. Our quantitative and qualitative results suggest that, for many guardians, caring for an aging dog is a complex dynamic with both positive and negative factors that offers an opportunity to deepen the human-animal bond and create positive, rewarding experiences and memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a systems-level baseline evaluation of central intake (CI) and triage systems in arthritis care within Alberta, Canada. The specific objectives were to (1) describe a process for systems evaluation for the provision of arthritis care; (2) report the findings of the evaluation for different clinical sites that provide arthritis care; and (3) identify opportunities for improving appropriate and timely access based on the findings of the evaluation.Methods: The study used a convergent mixed methods design. Surveys and semistructured interviews were the main data collection methods. Participants were recruited through 2 rheumatology clinics and 1 hip and knee clinic providing CI and triage, and included patients, referring physicians, specialists, and clinic staff who experienced CI processes.Results: A total of 237 surveys were completed by patients (n = 169), referring physicians (n = 50), and specialists (n = 18). Interviews (n = 25) with care providers and patients provided insights to the survey data. Over 95% of referring physicians agreed that the current process of CI was satisfactory. Referring physicians and specialists reported issues with the referral process and perceived support in care for wait-listed patients. Patients reported positive experiences with access and navigation of arthritis care services but expressed concerns around communication and receiving minimal support for self-management of their arthritis before and after receiving specialist care.Conclusion: This baseline evaluation of CI and triage for arthritis care indicates satisfaction with the service, but areas that require further consideration are referral completion, timely waiting lists, and further supporting patients to self-manage their arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain is a significant cause of morbidity and disability globally. One potential strategy for the self-management of chronic pain is interacting with companion animals; more specifically, dogs. While studies of dog ownership suggest social, psychological, and health benefits to humans, the impact on chronic pain is unclear. The aim of this scoping review was to map the literature on dog ownership and wellbeing in people with chronic pain. This review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) reporting guidelines. Twelve electronic databases and grey literature sources were searched for studies that included adults with chronic pain living with a dog. From 6,724 records, eight studies were included in the synthesis, including six cross-sectional survey studies and two qualitative studies. Studies specifically looking at pain provided mixed results, but people living with a dog reported better mental health. The health benefits related to social support for people living with a dog were reported as positive across several studies. Low-quality studies and variability in outcome measures limited comparisons across studies. The results of these eight studies suggest that the relationship between dog ownership and chronic pain is inconclusive and complex. Living with a dog for people who have chronic pain appears to provide positive benefits for some populations. Six studies were published after 2013 suggesting this important area of enquiry may be emerging as a new field in the study of the human– animal bond. Further research using qualitative, mixed methods, and longitudinal designs are needed to understand the potential mechanisms involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain is a significant burden for those with chronic disease and negatively impacts quality of life, causing disability and substantial work and health-care costs. Chronic pain has been identified as one of the most important current and future causes of morbidity and disability across the world. living with a dog has been associated with greater physical activity, less disability, more social ties to the community, and improved mental health. In this study, we sought answers to the research question, "What is the meaning and experience of chronic pain for people who live with a dog?" Using a descriptive qualitative research design, we conducted telephone interviews with 12 patients who lived with a dog, attending a tertiary chronic pain program in western Canada. transcribed interviews were subject to thematic and interpretive analysis. Participants ranged in age from 39 to 70 years of age (average 54 years) and had experienced chronic pain for an average of 15 years. the analysis identified four themes that gave understanding as to how people who live with a dog experience chronic pain: dog gives life meaning; dog as caregiver; dog gives emotional support; and dog provides companionship. For those experiencing chronic pain, living with a dog was reported to positively impact their quality of life, mental wellbeing, physical activity, and social interaction. For some participants, living with a dog provided a reason to live and focus on the future. For people with chronic pain, living with a dog may enhance the quality of their lives and provide support that mitigates their suffering and enables them to live a more meaningful life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Pain is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Pain is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) is a multisystemic connective tissue disorder characterised by pain, tissue fragility and laxity. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and the extended neurophysiological features reported by a group of patients with JHS. Methods: Ninety patients with JHS (mean age 34.7 ± 9.9 years), which was diagnosed in accordance with the Brighton criteria, and 113 healthy volunteers (mean age 35.7 ± 12.9) with no musculoskeletal pain participated in the study. A self-report questionnaire and pain chart were employed to collect data. Results: CWP was reported by 86% of patients with JHS. The mean number of pain sites in this group was 9.8/17 ± 4.2. Fibromyalgia was reported by 19% of this group. Patients with JHS were significantly more likely to report the following than healthy volunteers: autonomic symptoms (70%, 12%); gastrointestinal symptoms (71%, 9%); and chronic fatigue syndrome (31%, 1%). Patients with JHS reported significantly higher mean functional difficulties scores (22.28 ± 4.90) than healthy volunteers (17.96 ± 3.73) (P<0.001), indicative of functional difficulties associated with developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia. Conclusion: Patients with JHS reported a wide range of neurophysiological symptoms of which CWP was a salient feature. There is a need to acknowledge and understand the extended symptoms associated with CWP in order to address the holistic needs of patients with JHS. Further studies and discussion are required to identify the complex inter-related multifactorial neurophysiological mechanisms in those with JHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) is a multisystemic connective tissue disorder characterised by pain, tissue fragility and laxity. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and the extended neurophysiological features reported by a group of patients with JHS. Methods: Ninety patients with JHS (mean age 34.7 ± 9.9 years), which was diagnosed in accordance with the Brighton criteria, and 113 healthy volunteers (mean age 35.7 ± 12.9) with no musculoskeletal pain participated in the study. A self-report questionnaire and pain chart were employed to collect data. Results: CWP was reported by 86% of patients with JHS. The mean number of pain sites in this group was 9.8/17 ± 4.2. Fibromyalgia was reported by 19% of this group. Patients with JHS were significantly more likely to report the following than healthy volunteers: autonomic symptoms (70%, 12%); gastrointestinal symptoms (71%, 9%); and chronic fatigue syndrome (31%, 1%). Patients with JHS reported significantly higher mean functional difficulties scores (22.28 ± 4.90) than healthy volunteers (17.96 ± 3.73) (P<0.001), indicative of functional difficulties associated with developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia. Conclusion: Patients with JHS reported a wide range of neurophysiological symptoms of which CWP was a salient feature. There is a need to acknowledge and understand the extended symptoms associated with CWP in order to address the holistic needs of patients with JHS. Further studies and discussion are required to identify the complex inter-related multifactorial neurophysiological mechanisms in those with JHS. INSET: COMMENTARIES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)/Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain (PLPP) is a common condition with a prevalence range of U-85% (Larsen et al, 1999; Orlikowski et al, 2006). In the literature, a number of terms and definitions have been employed by professionals from different countries to describe this condition. Women report a wide range of symptoms and there is a requirement for a careful assessment. The goal of this paper has been to raise awareness of the pain and activity limitations reported by some women during pregnancy and postpartum. The clinical presentation and women's experiences are described. The risk factors predisposing women to SPD/PLPP both during pregnancy and postpartum are presented. There is a requirement to meet the expectations of women with SPD/PLPP. Women need to be assessed, be able to tell their story, have the condition explained, and be involved in the management of their symptoms and activity limitations. Midwives play a key role in assessing for SPD/PLPP, so this paper proposes a five-step plan to guide midwives and doctors in the management of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a commentary regarding the role of education in improving nurses' perception to post-operative pain being suffered by patients under hospital care. Occurrence of unrelieved pain among patients in Great Britain; Analysis of several studies which evaluated pain education; Factor that is considered the most sensitive but relatively neglected in pain education.

• Reflection can be seen as a useful tool to enable the practitioner to explore the everyday world of clinical practice. This paper reviews the background to reflection and its relevance to nursing in reducing the theory — practice gap and its role in generating theory from practice. • Exemplars from clinical practice are reflected upon and Carper's (1978) 'Patterns of Knowing' are used as a framework to identify nursing knowledge embedded in practice. • The process of reflection in critically discussed in the author's experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To describe the process of patient engagement to co-design a patient experience survey for people with arthritis referred to central intake.Methods: We used a participatory design to engage with patients to co-design a patient experience survey that comprised three connected phases: 1) Identifying the needs of patients with arthritis, 2) Developing a set of key performance indicators, and 3) Determining the survey items for the patient experience survey.Results: Patient recommendations for high quality healthcare care means support to manage arthritis, to live a meaningful life by providing the right knowledge, professional support, and professional relationship. The concept of integrated care was a core requirement from the patients' perspective for the delivery of high quality arthritis care. Patients experience with care was ranked in the top 10 of 28 Key Performance Indicators for the evaluation of central intake, with 95% of stakeholders rating it as 9/10 for importance. A stakeholder team, including Patient and Community Engagement Researchers (PaCER), mapped and rated 41 survey items from four validated surveys. The final patient experience survey had 23 items.Conclusion: The process of patient engagement to co-design a patient experience survey, for people with arthritis, identified aspects of care that had not been previously recognized. The linear organization of frameworks used to report patient engagement in research does not always capture the complexity of reality. Additional resources of cost, time and expertise for patient engagement in co-design activity are recognized and should be included, where possible, to ensure high quality data is captured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Chronic pain is a significant and prevalent condition in many industrialized nations. Pain and sleep's reciprocal nature suggests that interventions to improve sleep may decrease pain symptoms. Little attention has been paid to the influence that owning a pet dog has on the pain/sleep relationship. Typical advice to remove pets from the bedroom negates the possible positive benefit of human-animal co-sleeping. Aim: To investigate pain patients' perceived impact of pet dog ownership on sleep. (2) Methods: We carried out a content analysis of interview data focused on the impact of pet dog ownership on sleep. The qualitative dataset comes from a subgroup of participants in a larger study examining the pain patient/canine relationship. This subgroup of participants from the larger study was asked, "Does your dog have a positive or negative impact on your sleep?" The data were thematically coded using an iterative approach. (3) Findings: Codes included: companionship; physical presence/'cuddles'; routine/schedule; distraction from anxiety/worry at night; reassuring/protective presence; active intervention to keep participant safe; daytime activity to promote sleeping at night; and reciprocal concern for the sleep of the pet dog. (4) Conclusions: Pet dogs may play important roles in helping people with chronic pain achieve sleep onset and maintenance. Removing the dog to improved sleep could be counter-productive and lead to additional sleep-related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Relevance of Scholarship for Nursing Research and Practice," by A. Kitson in a 2006 issue.

Editorial. Focuses on studies of medical professionals and hospital management in managing severe pain in patients. Estimates on patients suffering from pain problems; Factors responsible for pain of poor; Role of organizational and hospital management policies in delivering effective pain management; Steps suggested to optimize the delivery of pain management.