Karen L Roper1, Jarred Jones2, Courtney Rowland2, Neena Thomas-Eapen2, Roberto Cardarelli2. 1. Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Lexington, Kentucky, USA. Electronic address: karen.roper@uky.edu. 2. Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: A mixed-method study involving patient focus groups and survey of primary care providers (PCPs) sought to compare perspectives about chronic pain (CP) and its treatment. Our goal was to identify needs and barriers for facilitating patient-centered care. METHODS: Two focus groups of CP patients from a single academic medical center explored interactions with PCPs and their understandings, experiences, and expectations of CP treatment. They were also asked their opinions about self-assessment/communication tools. We compared themes with survey data from two PCP research networks. RESULTS: CP patients understand opioid risks and fear PCP judgement and condescension, while sensing PCP fear and avoidance of opioid prescribing. PCPs are dissatisfied with their ability to provide optimal CP care, despite feeling that patients are generally satisfied with their clinic visits. Evaluation tools, especially assessment of functional activities, are favorably viewed by all, but deemed time prohibitive. CONCLUSION: Patients' understanding of opioid risks, desire for attention on functional goals and behavioral treatment may be greater than PCPs perceive. Such gaps in understanding and attitudes, if recognized, could support high-quality communication and interventional strategies. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These findings guide patient-PCP communication toward alignment of treatment goals and enhanced coordination of care.
OBJECTIVE: A mixed-method study involving patient focus groups and survey of primary care providers (PCPs) sought to compare perspectives about chronic pain (CP) and its treatment. Our goal was to identify needs and barriers for facilitating patient-centered care. METHODS: Two focus groups of CP patients from a single academic medical center explored interactions with PCPs and their understandings, experiences, and expectations of CP treatment. They were also asked their opinions about self-assessment/communication tools. We compared themes with survey data from two PCP research networks. RESULTS: CP patients understand opioid risks and fear PCP judgement and condescension, while sensing PCP fear and avoidance of opioid prescribing. PCPs are dissatisfied with their ability to provide optimal CP care, despite feeling that patients are generally satisfied with their clinic visits. Evaluation tools, especially assessment of functional activities, are favorably viewed by all, but deemed time prohibitive. CONCLUSION: Patients' understanding of opioid risks, desire for attention on functional goals and behavioral treatment may be greater than PCPs perceive. Such gaps in understanding and attitudes, if recognized, could support high-quality communication and interventional strategies. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These findings guide patient-PCP communication toward alignment of treatment goals and enhanced coordination of care.
Authors: Marianne S Matthias; Amy L Parpart; Kathryn A Nyland; Monica A Huffman; Dawana L Stubbs; Christy Sargent; Matthew J Bair Journal: Pain Med Date: 2010-11 Impact factor: 3.750
Authors: Steven K Dobscha; Kathryn Corson; Jennifer A Flores; Erin C Tansill; Martha S Gerrity Journal: Pain Med Date: 2008 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 3.750
Authors: Lyna Z Schieber; Gery P Guy; Puja Seth; Randall Young; Christine L Mattson; Christina A Mikosz; Richard A Schieber Journal: JAMA Netw Open Date: 2019-03-01
Authors: Sarah Kosakowski; Allyn Benintendi; Pooja Lagisetty; Marc R Larochelle; Amy S B Bohnert; Angela R Bazzi Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2022-01-06 Impact factor: 6.473