New Publication Explores the Experience of Home for People with Chronic Pain

Researchers from The Hopkins Centre have co-authored an important new peer-reviewed article published in Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.

The study, titled “The experience of home for people with chronic pain: A mixed methods study” offers novel insights into how chronic pain affects lived experience in people’s homes - a key context for occupational engagement, participation, and wellbeing.

A Hopkins Centre Team at the Forefront   

The publication was co-authored by a multidisciplinary team including Dr Jayke Bennett, Prof Louise Gustafsson, Dr Tammy Aplin and Dr Nicholas Aitcheson who bring expertise in participatory research, home-centred practice, and translating lived experience into meaningful occupational therapy evidence.

Why This Research Matters

Home is where many individuals with chronic pain spend most of their time - and pain can shape meaning, comfort, autonomy and daily routines in the home. This study uses robust mixed methods to uncover how people with chronic pain navigate their homes, how this experience affects their participation in valued occupations, and what that means for health services and practice design.

By understanding how home is experienced through by people with chronic pain, occupational therapists can better design assessments, tailor interventions, and advocate for environments that support safety, participation, and quality of life.

Impact on Practice, Policy & Future Research

Enhanced clinical insight: Offers practitioners rich context for understanding client-centred priorities for people with chronic pain in home environments.
Evidence for service improvement: The findings can help inform program development, home modification practices, and policy-level decisions on support services for people experiencing chronic pain.
Strengthened research foundations: Contributes to a growing body of evidence linking environment, occupation, and health.