Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
Doctors' insights into the patient perspective: a qualitative study in the field of chronic pain
Claudia Zanini1, Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini2, Fabiola Atzeni2
1Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne and Swiss Paraplegic Research, Frohburgstrasse 3, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland ; Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido Zäch Institute, Guido Zäch Strasse 4, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland.
Purpose:
To strengthen the conceptualization of the patient perspective by identifying aspects that, from doctors' point of view, are important to address during a consultation to build a partnership with patients.
Method:
Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 doctors who are experts in the field of chronic pain in Italy. The recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and interpreted using thematic analysis.
Results:
The participants agreed about the importance of doctors addressing aspects of the patient perspective that can lead to a difference of opinion with patients, namely, patients' views about their health condition (i.e., what they think they have and why and the perceived impact of the health condition on their life) and about treatments (i.e., what they have tried or have heard about and their expectations).
Conclusions:
Identifying patients' standpoints on their health condition and treatments offers an opportunity for critical discussion of differences of opinions and promotes communication exchange and agreement about the appropriate course of action.
Related Concept Videos
Analgesia and Pain Management
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Patient-centered Care
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Nociception

