Experiences of Military Primary Care Providers During Chronic Pain Visits: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Abstract Objective Chronic pain complaints are the second most common reason for outpatient primary care visits, yet a comprehensive assessment of the processes and experiences of providers during a chronic pain visit is still lacking. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to conceptualize the processes and experiences that military primary care providers go through while they assess and manage chronic pain. Setting Single U.S. Army medical center. Methods Semistructured interviews with 12 military primary care providers. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded with the use of qualitative software. Transcripts were analyzed with thematic analysis to identify emergent themes. Results Three broad themes with associated subthemes captured the processes and the providers’ experiences: 1) comprehending the pain story—asking the right questions about pain impact, navigating through the complexities of the pain story, and conveying understanding of the pain story back to the patient; 2) optimizing the pain story—perceiving provider–patient disconnect on pain management goals, resetting realistic goals, creating an optimal individualized treatment plan, and evaluating treatment effectiveness; and 3) empathetic and therapeutic engagement with patients—trusting patients and fostering the patient–provider relationship. A thematic map illustrates these provider experiences. Conclusions During chronic pain visits, the provider–patient disconnect on the goals of chronic pain treatment presents a considerable challenge. Further in-depth studies on addressing provider–patient disconnect are warranted to identify solutions, which would help providers communicate realistic chronic pain management expectations to patients. The themes and subthemes described in this study could serve as a guide for directing strategies to improve chronic pain visits in primary care.