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Internists and the chronic pain patient
Ronald B Margolis1, George H Zimny, Douglas Miller
1Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Psychiatry,Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63104 U.S.A. Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63104 U.S.A.
Pain
|October 1, 1984
Summary
Chronic pain is common, affecting mostly women over 55. Internists use limited treatments and lack education for chronic pain management, facing patient-related challenges.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Pain Management
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Chronic pain represents a significant and prevalent health concern.
- Understanding the characteristics of the chronic pain population is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
- Current treatment approaches and internists' educational needs in managing chronic pain require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of chronic pain.
- To characterize the chronic pain patient population.
- To explore treatment approaches, challenges, and educational gaps among internists managing chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 407 Board Certified internists.
- A 26% return rate was achieved for the survey.
- Data collected included patient demographics, treatment strategies, treatment obstacles, and internist education.
Main Results:
- Chronic pain is highly prevalent, with most patients being female and over 55 years old.
- Internists employ a limited array of treatments for chronic pain.
- Patient-related factors frequently impede treatment efficacy, and internists report minimal formal education in pain management.
Conclusions:
- There is a high prevalence of chronic pain, particularly among older females.
- Current internist practices for chronic pain involve restricted treatment options and are hampered by patient-related issues.
- A significant educational deficit exists among internists regarding the formal treatment of chronic pain.