Graduate Studies

Design for Health (MDes)

Nita Lakhani

Chronic pain, explained

Our Systems group project visualized the wicked problem of chronic pain using systems mapping techniques (e.g. iterative inquiry, concept mapping, causal loops) to create the synthesis map shown to the right (visual design by Sylvia Szkudlarek). Leverage points (shown as white bubbles along the bottom of the map) are opportunities for intervention in the system to help patients better navigate their experience of chronic pain.

“Our Systems project team used myself and another group member's personal experiences with chronic pain, research literature, and systems analyses to explain the wicked problem of chronic pain from a bio-psycho-social perspective. The holistic model of chronic pain combines multiple perspectives towards understanding an individual's unique pain experience. Although the biological mechanism for treating pain is recognized and accepted, pain is a very personal experience and it affects the person as a ‘whole’. The biological aspect of pain will affect both social and psychological aspects, and vice versa. Therefore, a bio-psycho-social, or holistic approach to chronic pain should be considered as a framework to appropriately assess and manage chronic pain. ”