Lessons learned from the chronic pain clinic: a qualitative study of the perspectives of healthcare providers

Abstract

Aim: The chronic pain clinic (CPC) was established to address chronic non-cancer pain and opioid-related harm. Materials & methods: Employing community participatory research design First Nation Metis representatives, clinicians and a researcher collectively agreed to document lessons learned from healthcare providers' perspective, 1 year post-clinic-implementation. 17 individual interviews were conducted. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that a multidisciplinary team offered client-centered care, education, counseling and multimodal treatment options. Medication reviews and case management ensured patient safety. Communication and education of community providers enhanced pain management capacity ensuring safe opioid prescribing. Evidence-based best practices were implemented through system-level monitoring. Access to Indigenous healing strategies provided culturally responsive spiritual care upon request. Conclusion: The multidisciplinary and multimodal CPC care model effectively manages chronic non-cancer pain.