Management of chronic non-cancer pain by primary care physicians: A qualitative study.
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_15271D445A6E
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Management of chronic non-cancer pain by primary care physicians: A qualitative study.
Journal
PloS one
ISSN
1932-6203 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1932-6203
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2024
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
19
Number
7
Pages
e0307701
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: epublish
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
Chronic non-cancer pain is a highly prevalent health issue with personal and societal consequences. Patients suffering from chronic non-cancer pain are mainly cared for by primary care physicians, but research shows that the latter perceive treating chronic pain as difficult. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore how primary care physicians in Switzerland manage patients with chronic non-cancer pain and what factors influence patient management. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews amongst primary care physicians in the German speaking part of Switzerland. A thematic analysis of the interviews allowed to identify four main themes: Investigation of chronic pain; patient-provider relationship; patient characteristics, and medical recommendations. These themes were closely interconnected and influenced each other. Physicians not only enquired about the origin of pain but also about the patients' beliefs and expectations towards it. They stressed the role of communication in fostering a good patient-physician relationship and to help patients cope with their pain. In addition to purely medical considerations, the psychological, social and economic situation of their patients and their possible impacts on the management of chronic non-cancer pain played a crucial role when recommending a treatment. This study highlighted the complexity of chronic pain management, which entails that primary care physicians need to figure out a unique strategy for each patient. By integrating patients' values and beliefs, as well as socioeconomic aspects, primary care physicians are in a position to take the lead in chronic non-cancer pain management. However, considering the burden of this disease, more continuous medical education on chronic pain is needed for primary care physicians, especially to better take into account the social determinants of pain.
Keywords
Humans, Chronic Pain/therapy, Chronic Pain/psychology, Physicians, Primary Care/psychology, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Qualitative Research, Physician-Patient Relations, Pain Management/methods, Adult, Switzerland, Aged, Attitude of Health Personnel
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
30/07/2024 8:24
Last modification date
21/01/2025 7:15