Understanding General Practitioner and Patient Perceptions Regarding Integration of Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Management-A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study in the RELIEF Project

Background: Chronic non-cancer-related pain is an independent condition with a multicausal genesis. Guidelines highlight the need for holistic treatment based on the bio-psycho-social model. While prescribing medication is common, it remains unclear how and to what extent non-pharmacological interventions are considered and recommended in general practice pain management. The project RELIEF explored the integration of non-pharmacological interventions in general practices in Germany from both physician and patient perspectives. Methods: A mixed-methods study collected data with patients and general practitioners via semi-structured telephone interviews and self-developed questionnaires. Qualitative data were analyzed in a reflexive thematic analysis. Survey data were analyzed descriptively. Results: N = 383 questionnaires (n = 131 general practitioners, n = 252 patients) and n = 61 interviews (n = 21 general practitioners, n = 40 patients) were analyzed. Patient and physician perceptions regarding the integration of non-pharmacological interventions differed. Patients felt pharmacological therapy was recommended primarily, applied non-pharmacological interventions based on their own initiative, and were aware of bio-psycho-social interrelations. Physicians perceived that they often recommended physiotherapy and psychotherapy alongside analgesics, and asked about non-pharmacological interventions (79.4%), explained the bio-psycho-social chronic pain genesis (55.7%), and provided information on physical (48.9%) and social (35.9%) activity, relaxation techniques (42%), topical applications (31.9%), and support groups (25.2%). Conclusions: The integration of holistic pain management and communication between patients and general practitioners appear to need strengthening.