Physicians attitudes toward managing chronic pain

January 01, 0001

Physicians attitudes toward managing chronic pain

Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is a common problem that can be a challenge to manage. This group of US researchers performed a survey using the Primary Care MultiEthnic Network and a network of private primary care Providers to document their views about management of CNPC.

The researchers found: "Of 792 clinicians surveyed, 497 (63%) participated. Responses and accompanying narrative comments clustered around 5 themes: (1) barriers to and uncertainties in optimal management, (2) the complex biopsychosocial nature of CNCP, (3) seriousness of prescription opioid abuse, (4) effort and burden required to properly manage CNCP, and (5) clinician commitment to provide care for CNCP patients and benefits of expanded care model for CNCP. One-third reported a severe outcome (death or life-threatening event) in a CNCP patient for whom they had prescribed opioids. Roughly one-third do not initiate prescribing of opioids."

The researchers concluded: "Guidelines and increased continuing medical education alone are unlikely to be the solutions to the challenges of CNCP management. Increased evidence for recommendations and resources for more comprehensive care management are needed."

This survey highlights many of the challenges of treating chronic pain in the primary care setting


For the full abstract, click here.

The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 24(5):551-561, September 2011 © 2011 American Board of Family Medicine
Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Siren for Primary Care - A Report From the PRImary care MultiEthnic Network (PRIME Net). Robert R. Leverence, Robert L. Williams, Michael Potter, et al. Correspondence to Robert L. Williams: rlwilliams@salud.unm.edu

Category: A. General/Unspecified. Keywords: pain, chronic pain, opioids, pain management, biopsychosocial, survey, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Paul Schaefer, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 11 October 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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