Experiences of healthcare workers living and working with chronic pain: a systematic review

Abstract Aim This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing literature on the experiences and work-related consequences of chronic pain among healthcare workers. Subject and methods Five databases including ProQuest Central, CINAHL (EBSCO), PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE (Ovid) were searched, collecting studies on healthcare workers’ experiences of chronic pain and their consequences on their work and life. The search was limited to English-language articles and empirical research studies published between 2014 and 2026. This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and checklist. Quality of evidence was assessed using a modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Results In total, 30 primary research articles were included. Data were categorized and the following themes were established: (1) prevalence of and factors contributing to chronic pain in healthcare workers; (2) work-related experiences of chronic pain among healthcare workers; and (3) healthcare workers’ strategies for working with chronic pain. Conclusion This review provides evidence that chronic pain profoundly affects both healthcare workers and organizations, highlighting the significance of organizational support for well-being and sustained employment of healthcare workers. By extension, it calls for research centring the lived experiences of healthcare workers to inform the development and implementation of supportive policies. What is already known: 1. Chronic pain is a global health issue, and its prevalence is increasing.2. Chronic pain imposes financial, psychological, and physical burdens on individuals, families, and societies. What is added by this report? 1. Physical and psychological consequences of chronic pain on healthcare workers and healthcare organizations are growing.2. Organizational support is critical to sustained employment, patients’ safety, and quality of life. What is the implication for public health practice? 1. To safeguard the physical and mental well-being of their workforce, healthcare systems must implement proactive, protective policies.