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How well is chronic pain managed? Who does it well?
Carmen R Green1, John R C Wheeler, Frankie LaPorte
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health System, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. carmeng@umich.edu
Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.)
|April 23, 2004
Summary
Physician attitudes toward chronic pain management show significant variability, with many reporting low satisfaction and treatment goals. This suggests potential undertreatment and highlights educational needs for physicians in pain management.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Pain management
- Physician attitudes
Background:
- Variability in physician attitudes and goals for chronic pain relief is not well understood.
- Physician satisfaction with chronic pain management requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the current state of chronic pain management by Michigan physicians.
- To correlate physician pain management goals with their confidence, preferences, and satisfaction.
- To analyze physician decision-making in chronic pain care.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study design.
- Survey instrument with four chronic pain vignettes.
- Inclusion of 368 Michigan physicians providing clinical care.
Main Results:
- High frequency of treating chronic pain patients reported.
- Physicians expressed low satisfaction, confidence, and pain relief goals.
- Younger physicians and those with pain education showed better vignette responses.
Conclusions:
- Low pain relief goals and satisfaction indicate potential undertreatment of chronic pain.
- Physician decision-making in pain management is highly variable.
- Educational interventions are needed to improve physician chronic pain management skills.