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Resentful, Resigned and Respectful: Opioid Analgesics, Pain and Control, a Qualitative Study
Richard Cooper1, Catriona Matheson2, Emily Pagan1
1School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 25, 2025
Summary
Patients taking opioid analgesics for chronic pain often fear addiction and tolerance, leading to negative experiences. They desire better communication and shared decision-making with healthcare providers regarding pain management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Addiction Research
- Patient Experience Studies
Background:
- Opioid analgesic prescribing has risen, raising concerns about dependence and overdose.
- Chronic pain affects millions, necessitating effective and safe management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore non-cancer patients' experiences and views on taking opioid analgesics for pain.
- To understand patient perspectives on pain control, adherence, and healthcare interactions.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured telephone interviews with 22 purposively sampled patients from English GP practices.
- Thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke's methodology to identify key themes.
Main Results:
- Patients expressed resentment towards opioid analgesics due to fears of tolerance and addiction.
- A sense of control emerged through acceptance of doctor's treatment decisions and self-management of adherence.
- Patients reported negative experiences with non-pharmacological treatments and a lack of adequate addiction warnings and medication reviews.
Conclusions:
- Patients navigating opioid use for chronic pain often experience negative outcomes and isolation.
- Healthcare professionals need enhanced understanding and improved communication strategies for managing patients on opioid analgesics.
- Shared decision-making and proactive management of addiction risks are crucial for improving patient experiences.
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