Understanding Healthcare Networks in Chronic Pain: Insights from a Longitudinal Social Network Study

ObjectivesChronic pain (CP) is a multifaceted condition that requires a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach involving different healthcare disciplines and providers for effective treatment. When multiple healthcare providers are involved in the treatment, integration within interdisciplinary healthcare networks and effective communication become crucial, but challenging. The current study aimed to examine the structure and composition of the healthcare network of individuals with CP and their association with treatment satisfaction, well-being (depression, anxiety, anger, social isolation), and functioning (pain interference). Key network characteristics of interest were healthcare network density, the centrality of the general practitioner in the network, and healthcare discipline heterogeneity. MethodsA four-wave online questionnaire was completed by 232 individuals with CP (179 women, mean age of 49 years). ResultsAnalyses of 2,745 healthcare relations showed a robust association between network density and perceived treatment satisfaction; however, no significant associations were observed with depression, anxiety, anger, pain interference, and social isolation. Additionally, the findings showed that participants who perceived more communication between their GP and other healthcare providers also reported greater treatment satisfaction; but there was no association with well-being or functioning. Contrary to expectations, while the number of different healthcare disciplines was not related to depression, anger, or pain interference, it was positively associated with anxiety and social isolation. DiscussionThese findings highlight the complexity of healthcare networks in CP management and suggest that examining healthcare networks from a structural perspective may offer valuable insights for future research, clinical practice, and policy development.