Keywords

pain agreements; opioid treatment; physician-patient relationship; chronic pain

Abstract

Pain management agreements are increasingly used in the treatment of chronic pain with opioid analgesics. These agreements aim to reduce misuse of opioids by providing patients clear regulations and requirements to follow during treatment. This study seeks to assess the effect of pain management agreement for opioid treatment on the patient-physician relationship from the perspective of patients with a pain management agreement in the past two years. We recruited participants for the semi-structured interview through online media groups dedicated to patients with chronic pain that is treated with opioids. A cohort of eight individuals recruited from September 2023 to January 2023, all who used a pain management agreement for their chronic pain and obtained opioids as their treatment. The semi-structed interview explored the benefits and challenges they faced when using an opioid agreement, any changes they could or want to make to the agreement, their feelings using the agreement, and the effect they believe that the agreement has on their relationship with their physician. Among the eight participants, all indicated that the use of a pain management agreement supports their treatment and helps their relationship with their provider. Participants described the requirements they must follow such as regular monitoring, taking medications as prescribed and clear responsibilities and discussed the benefits and challenges complying with these requirements. Positive effects of agreements on provider-patient relationships include communication with physicians, empathetic physicians, and structured interactions. However, patients have indicated a sense of a transactional relationship and lack of trust with physicians. Within the group of participants who recently underwent pain management treatment with opioids for chronic pain, all have indicated that pain management agreements strengthen their relationship with their provider and were key to promoting communication with the parties. However, patients have indicated that the negative effects of the harsh requirements such as mistrust and fear of consequences. The use of shared decision-making can mitigate some problems patients face by establishing a mutual treatment plan with shared goals, increasing both trust and communication between the two parties.

Thesis Completion Year

2025

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Scheidell, Joy

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Health Sciences

Thesis Discipline

Health Sciences

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright