Exploring Physicians and Patient Perspectives on Expectations and Role Models Towards Chronic Pain Treatment in General Practice: A Qualitative Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objective: Approximately 7.4% of the German population matched the criteria of impeding, chronic non-cancer-related pain in 2014. Guidelines emphasize the importance of a holistic treatment approach. The project RELIEF aims to develop and evaluate a multifaceted case-management intervention to foster holistic management of chronic pain in general practice. To inform intervention development, this study explored expectations and perceived role mod-els of General practitioners (GP) and patients regarding chronic non-cancer-related pain man-agement in general practice with a focus on patient expectations towards GPs and themselves, as well as GP expectations towards patients and their anticipation of patient’s expectations. Methods: Data were collected via semi-structured guide-based interviews with general practi-tioners and patients. Pseudonymized verbatim transcripts were analyzed using an induc-tive-deductive approach with a structuring qualitative content analysis. The Theoretical Do-mains Framework served as analytical framework to explore behavioral aspects connotated with expectations and role perceptions. Results: N=25 interviews were analyzed (GP: n=10, patient: n=15). Findings indicate that patients considered themselves as main actor in the therapy process yet expected guidance and care co-ordination from their GP. Role models indicated by GPs and some patients represent a care ide-al, which was also reflected in discussed expectations. GPs anticipated patients to put a high rel-evance on pharmacological options. Patients highlighted their preference of non-pharmacological and alternative treatment options. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the importance of holistic, individually tailored chronic pain management in general practice. Systematic, multifaceted case man agement, as planned in the RELIEF project, may contribute to high-quality primary care for affected individuals.