Chronic Pain Perception and Cultural Experience

This collective review of relevant research literature was to better understand the influence of cultural experience upon chronic pain perception. Using a structured review guideline, literature search was guided by a search strategy, quality grading of studies, data extraction and thematic, tabulated analysis of data. Themes were identified in three levels (1) patient, (2) the patient-provider interaction and (3) healthcare system. Clinical practice implications of the study included improving clinician cultural awareness, improving clinician cultural competency, culturally relevant pain measures and developing culturally-equitable systems of care. Research implications were the need for appropriate research based in a research agenda that brings the learnings of existing research to bear upon local contexts to enhance patient care.