Primary Care Management of Chronic Nonmalignant Pain in Veterans: A Qualitative Study.

MEDICAL care for older people; CHRONIC pain treatment; DISEASES in older people; GENERAL practitioners; PRIMARY care; PHYSIOLOGICAL aspects of aging

Clinicians managing older patients with chronic pain play an important role. This paper explores the attitudes of primary care clinicians (PCPs) toward chronic nonmalignant pain management and their experiences using a clinical decision support system. Our investigation followed a qualitative approach based on grounded theory. Twenty-one PCPs participated in focus groups and interviews. Our analysis elicited six themes: pain as part of growing old; concerns about using medications; waiting times for the pain clinic; value of ancillary services; training; and value of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR). We need a more systematic and thorough understanding of PCPs competencies to manage chronic nonmalignant pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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