8 This small group was more likely to endorse the need for pain medications to manage pain at increasing doses. In one study, a representative sample of Hispanics who did not have a diagnosis of chronic pain were surveyed from five southwestern states only 12% of respondents said they “knew a lot” about chronic pain. As shown in recent studies led by Turner, et al, managing these patients has been made all the more difficult because their families and friends have a limited understanding of chronic pain conditions. The challenge faced by PCPs in managing chronic pain has been hampered further by limited resources, especially among low-income patients who are under- or uninsured. This raises a striking conundrum since primary care practitioners (PCPs) have been found to harbor negative attitudes toward patients with chronic pain, driven by a sense of insufficiency in addressing this patient compliant 4-6 this hesitancy may be explained at least in part by limited training in pain management. 2,3ĭespite the complexity of chronic pain, at least half of all patients receive their healthcare from a primary care clinician.

Given the adverse effects on their mental, physical, and social wellbeing, they often live with a diminished quality of life, functional limitations, and loss of productivity. 1 Yet, patients with chronic pain face an immense burden.

Opioid overuse has led to federal, state, and local initiatives to reduce its serious consequences on health and healthcare costs.

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