System Maintenance Notice

Please note that maintenance work is scheduled between 4 AM and 5 AM - CET. During this time, you may experience reduced performance. Thanks for your patience.

Publications

Journal Article Ppublish

PubMed: 39936847 DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2025.2463865

Problems accessing pain care, and the adverse outcomes among adults with chronic pain: a cross-sectional survey study.

Pain Manag 15(2):81-91

Authors: Matthew Carrillo, Jessica Yingst, Wen-Jan Tuan, David Giampetro, Jennifer E Nyland, Aleksandra E Zgierska

Affiliations

  • Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
  • Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
  • Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
  • Department of Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
  • Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.

Abstract

AIMS

Prescribing restrictions have significantly impacted patients with chronic pain, leading to opioid medication tapering and reduced access. This study examines the consequences of these restrictions and their impact on patient health and pain management strategies.

PATIENTS & METHODS/MATERIALS & METHODS

This research explores barriers to pain care, especially opioid therapy, adverse health outcomes resulting from reduced access to pain medications, and alternative pain management strategies. The study analyzes data from a cross-sectional survey conducted by the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) between November 2014 and January 2015. The survey gathered quantitative data on demographics, healthcare access, pain management strategies, and challenges in obtaining prescribed medications, alongside qualitative responses. Descriptive statistics summarized quantitative findings; chi-square and t-tests compared those with and without medication access difficulties. Thematic analysis revealed recurring themes in qualitative responses.

RESULTS

The study reveals that over half of the respondents faced difficulties obtaining prescribed pain medications, leading to significant adverse health consequences, including unmanaged pain, psychological distress, and suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the urgent need to address systemic and personal barriers to pain medication access, and the need for patient-centered care that incorporates evidence-based, holistic pain management strategies and shared decision-making between clinicians and patients.

MeSH

Cross-Sectional Studies, Chronic Pain, Pain, Pain Management