Insights into optimizing phantom pain management: A human-centered approach to end-user perspectives

Background: This report explores and summarizes perspectives from end users on unmet needs in achieving optimal and effective phantom pain management through a human-centered design approach. Objective: To examine current strategies, pharmacological, nonpharmacological, surgical procedures, virtual reality, and mirror therapy, and the evidence supporting them, in the management of phantom limb pain. Design: This study reviewed and analyzed transcripts acquired in nonresearch contexts from the Veterans Affairs Translational Education and Mentoring Center's commercialization training program and from a Veteran Engagement Panel. Key themes were extracted using quasi-qualitative analysis of one-on-one interviews. Results: Clinicians and patients report that early patient intervention and education will yield improved management of phantom limb pain, which aligns with the growing recognition of the impact of patient-centered care on overall treatment outcomes. Mirror therapy is viewed as an effective and low-risk therapy, though compliance and buy-in may be barriers to clinical practice. Patient engagement can contribute to better treatment adherence and outcomes. Conclusion: The study highlights implementation barriers, importance of end-user input, and the role of the Veteran Engagement Panel in providing feedback to pain researchers. The findings help explain unaddressed challenges and areas requiring further research to direct phantom pain management.