Résumé
Chronic pain is a pathology whose frequency is encreasing. It’s also a public health problem. The caregivers of these patients are essential players in their care. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of living with a patient suffering from chronic pain from the perspective of the informal caregivers. Methods: it was a qualitative and phenomenological research, conducted by semi-directed interviews with natural caregivers of people suffering from chronic pain for more than six months, excluding cancer pain. Data saturation and triangulation were used. Results: the painful patient was the priority, causing overwork and upheavals in the caregiver’s daily life. The relationship between the painful patient and the caregiver was affected. The caregivers were suffering because of the feelings of incomprehension and helplessness. The caregivers experience was different depending on the presence or not of protective strategies. Several needs were expressed: caregivers therapeuthic education and integration into patient care, a sharing of tasks with professionals and an empathic listening from their doctor. Discussion: a better recognition of the role of the natural caregiver in the management of patients suffering from chronic pain seems essential. Optimal support and education should be offered to them, in the modern context of the emergence of multidisciplinary medicine. Conclusion: chronic pain has an impact on the caregiver’s life experience. Ways to improve their current conditions remain to be explored.