A survey by the American Pain Foundation shows that 17 percent of adults with chronic pain face difficulties reaching their primary pain providers when trying to reach out with questions or concerns, according to an APF news release.
The survey, commissioned by APF and conducted by Harris Interactive in Aug. 2011, received results from 2,118 adults, of which 619 were currently living with chronic pain. The survey found that 43 percent of those who sought out pain treatment options still had questions about their treatment after leaving the provider's office:
• 62 percent of the questions pertained to side effects
• 55 percent of questions were about the duration of treatment
• 41 percent of the questions pertained to cost
Of the patients who reached out to their healthcare providers with question about treatment, 99 percent eventually received a response with 83 percent of the responses occurring on the same day. Nearly everyone reported the responses were at least somewhat helpful.
Research suggests that 14 percent of adults with chronic pain who have questions about their treatment have not tried to reach out to their providers, with reasons cited being: not wanting to bother the healthcare provider, fear of being thought of as a "complainer" and fear of seeming like a "drug seeker" or "drug addict."
The survey also found that younger patients were less likely to receive treatment, with only 45 percent saying they sought treatment from a healthcare provider, compared to 76 percent of respondents age 55-64.
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• 62 percent of the questions pertained to side effects
• 55 percent of questions were about the duration of treatment
• 41 percent of the questions pertained to cost
Of the patients who reached out to their healthcare providers with question about treatment, 99 percent eventually received a response with 83 percent of the responses occurring on the same day. Nearly everyone reported the responses were at least somewhat helpful.
Research suggests that 14 percent of adults with chronic pain who have questions about their treatment have not tried to reach out to their providers, with reasons cited being: not wanting to bother the healthcare provider, fear of being thought of as a "complainer" and fear of seeming like a "drug seeker" or "drug addict."
The survey also found that younger patients were less likely to receive treatment, with only 45 percent saying they sought treatment from a healthcare provider, compared to 76 percent of respondents age 55-64.
Related Articles on Pain Management:
California Physician Accused of Using Part of Pain Shots Meant for Patients
New Guidelines on Opioids for Pain Show How to Avert Adverse Events
Criminal Charges for Physicians After Painkiller Overdoses on the Rise