A Pharmacist's Guide to Managing Difficult Conversations in Pain Management and Opioid Use Settings

Pain remains one of the most common reasons that individuals seek healthcare. Despite advances in pain care and an improved understanding of the harms associated with opioid use, there is still considerable reliance on opioid medications for treating both acute and chronic pain. With the implementation of guidelines emphasizing opioid risk mitigation strategies and non-pharmacologic treatments, healthcare providers increasingly engage in conversations with patients about opioid safety and alternative therapies. Pharmacists are highly accessible healthcare professionals who practice in a variety of settings and, therefore, often face conversations related to pain management and opioid use. Healthcare professionals in general receive limited training in pain care and empathetic communication, which can create barriers to effective patient-provider interactions. This publication aims to equip pharmacists with practical tools and strategies for managing difficult conversations related to pain management and opioid use. With the appropriate tools, pharmacists can work toward improving patient-provider relationships, enhancing patient outcomes, and creating a more supportive environment.