Exploring patients' experiences of using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Claudication.

Some participants reported reduced pain and improved walking ability with TENS, while others expressed disappointment when TENS did not fully meet their expectations.

• Six participants with PAD and claudication were recruited for the study.
• Participants received training in the use of a TENS device for home use during daily walking activities.
• After four weeks of home use, experiences were explored through a focus group and an individual interview.
• Data were analysed using thematic analysis, with four themes emerging: Pain, Expectations, Usability, and Physical and social functioning.

Variability in perceived benefit from TENS was influenced by prior knowledge, usability challenges, and personal preferences.

• Participants had differing levels of prior knowledge about TENS that shaped their expectations and use.
• Usability challenges with the device affected how consistently participants used TENS.
• Personal preferences contributed to differences in how participants engaged with the device.
• These factors contributed to variability in both device use and perceived benefit across the six participants.

Four themes emerged from thematic analysis of participants' lived experiences of using TENS at home: Pain, Expectations, Usability, and Physical and social functioning.

• Data were collected from six participants with PAD and claudication following four weeks of home TENS use.
• Qualitative data collection included both a focus group and an individual interview.
• Thematic analysis was the analytical method applied to the data.
• The theme of Physical and social functioning captured the broader impact of TENS use beyond pain alone.

Managing patient expectations and addressing device usability were identified as essential to optimising outcomes with TENS for claudication.

• Some participants expressed disappointment when TENS did not fully meet their expectations for pain relief or walking improvement.
• Usability challenges were identified as a barrier to consistent and effective device use.
• Healthcare practitioners were identified as playing a key role in supporting education and tailoring advice.
• The authors recommended evaluating the appropriateness of TENS as part of individualised care plans.

TENS was explored as a non-pharmacological pain relief option with potential to improve walking performance in individuals with PAD and claudication.

• Pain associated with claudication in PAD is described as a key barrier to physical activity, limiting walking ability and impacting quality of life.
• TENS has shown potential to improve walking performance based on prior evidence referenced in the paper.
• Little was previously known about patients' experiences using TENS in everyday life, motivating this qualitative study.
• Participants used the TENS device specifically during daily walking activities over four weeks.