Experiences of patients requiring strong opioid drugs for chronic non-cancer pain: a patient-initiated study

BACKGROUND: Chronic non-cancer pain is an increasing problem in health care. This study was initiated by a patient wanting to discover more about the experiences of other patients requiring strong opioid analgesia for such pain. AIM: To determine the attitudes and experiences of patients receiving long-term strong opioid medication for chronic non-cancer pain in primary care. Design of study: Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis. SETTING: A semi-rural general practice in southwest England. METHOD: The study data came from a focus group and 10 individual patient interviews. A patient researcher was involved in the design, conduct, and analysis of the project. RESULTS: The impact of pain affected participants in every aspect of their daily lives. Attitudes to strong opioid medication were both positive and negative. Concerns about starting medication usually centred on fears of addiction, being seen as an addict, or that the patients may have a more serious condition than they had previously thought. However, these fears were tempered by an appreciation of the benefits that strong opioids brought in terms of pain relief and consequent gains in a nearer-to-normal existence. The data did not produce any evidence of addictive behaviour or of tolerance despite these initial fears. Patients adopted a trade-off approach, balancing pain relief with medication side effects, accepting more pain for a reduction in sedation and nausea. All patients described coping strategies they developed themselves and learned from outside influences, such as pain clinic courses and support from the GP. There was realism that total pain relief was not possible, but that a balance could be struck. CONCLUSION: Chronic non-cancer pain is associated with high levels of distress and psychosocial impairment. Patients in this study appreciated the benefits of strong opioid medication, having come to terms with fears of addiction and learned coping strategies. These findings should encourage GPs to consider strong opioid medication for patients with severe chronic pain in line with published evidence-based guidelines.     

Experiences of chronic low back pain: a meta-ethnography of qualitative research

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with a number of costly disability-related outcomes. It has received increasing attention from qualitative researchers studying its consequences for personal, social, and health care experiences. As research questions and methods diversify, there is a growing need to integrate findings emerging from these studies. A meta-ethnography was carried out to synthesise the findings of 38 separate qualitative articles published on the subjective experience of CLBP between 1994 and 2011. Studies were identified following a literature search and quality appraisal. Four themes were proposed after a process of translating the meaning of text extracts from the findings sections across all the articles. The themes referred to the undermining influence of pain, its disempowering impact on all levels, unsatisfying relationships with health care professionals, and learning to live with the pain. The findings are dominated by wide-ranging distress and loss but also acknowledge self-determination and resilience. Implications of the meta-ethnography for clinicians and future qualitative research are outlined, including the need to study relatively unexamined facets of subjective experience such as illness trajectory and social identity.     

GPs' approach to insulin prescribing in older patients: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that insulin is under-prescribed in older people. Some reasons for this include physician's concerns about potential side-effects or patients' resistance to insulin. In general, however, little is known about how GPs make decisions related to insulin prescribing in older people. AIM: To explore the process and rationale for prescribing decisions of GPs when treating older patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN OF STUDY: Qualitative individual interviews using a grounded theory approach. SETTING: Primary care. METHOD: A thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes that reflected factors that influence the prescribing of insulin. RESULTS: Twenty-one GPs in active practice in Ontario completed interviews. Seven factors influencing the prescribing of insulin for older patients were identified: GPs' beliefs about older people; GPs' beliefs about diabetes and its management; gauging the intensity of therapy required; need for preparation for insulin therapy; presence of support from informal or formal healthcare provider; frustration with management complexity; and GPs' experience with insulin administration. Although GPs indicated that they would prescribe insulin allowing for the above factors, there was a mismatch in intended approach to prescribing and self-reported prescribing. CONCLUSION: GPs' rationale for prescribing (or not prescribing) insulin is mediated by both practitioner-related and patient-related factors. GPs intended and actual prescribing varied depending on their assessment of each patient's situation. In order to improve prescribing for increasing numbers of older people with type 2 diabetes, more education for GPs, specialist support, and use of allied health professionals is needed.     

Prophylactic treatment of migraine by GPs: a qualitative study

Background

Despite the considerable impact of migraine, the use of preventive medication in primary care is limited. Only about 5% of migraine patients who qualify for prophylaxis actually receive it, and adherence is far from optimal.

Aim

To explore the opinions of GPs regarding preventive medication for migraine.

Design and setting

A qualitative focus group study in Dutch general practice.

Method

Four focus groups (six GPs each) were formed. GPs were purposively sampled to acquire a range of participants, reflecting the more general GP population.

Results

GPs perceived patients'' concerns about the impact of migraine and the potential benefits of prophylaxis. However, some were hesitant to start prescribing prophylaxis due to doubts about effectiveness, potential side effects, and the risk of developing drug dependency. GPs'' decisions were often based on considerations other than those presented in national guidelines, for example, the patient''s need to control their own problem. Many GPs placed responsibility for initiating prophylaxis with the patient.

Conclusion

Various considerations hamper GPs from managing migraine with preventive medication, and various patient-related concerns cause GPs to deviate from national headache guidelines.     

Quality of prescribing in care homes and the community in England and Wales

Background

Care home residents are vulnerable to the adverse effects of prescribing but there is limited monitoring in the UK.

Aim

To compare prescribing quality in care homes in England and Wales with the community and with US nursing homes.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional analysis of a UK primary care database and comparison with the US National Nursing Home Survey including 326 general practices in 2008–2009 in England and Wales, with 10 387 care home and 403 259 community residents aged 65 to 104 years.

Method

Comparison of age- and sex-standardised use of ‘concern’ and common drug groups in the last 90 days and potentially inappropriate prescribing based on a consensus list of medications best avoided in older people (Beers criteria).

Results

Compared to the community, care home residents were more likely to receive ‘concern’ drugs, including benzodiazepines (relative risk (RR) = 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.90 to 2.22), anticholinergic antihistamines (RR = 2.78, 95% CI = 2.38 to 3.23), loop diuretics (RR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.41 to 1.53), and antipsychotics (RR = 22.7, 95% CI = 20.6 to 24.9). Use of several common drug groups, including laxatives, antidepressants, and antibiotics, was higher, but use of cardiovascular medication was lower. Thirty-three per cent (95% CI = 31.7% to 34.3%) of care home residents in England and Wales received potentially inappropriate medication, compared to 21.4% (95% CI = 20.9% to 21.8%) in the community. The potentially inappropriate prescribing rate in US nursing homes was similar to England and Wales.

Conclusion

Care home prescribing has the potential for improvement. High use of anticholinergic and psychotropic medication may contribute to functional and cognitive decline. The targeting and effectiveness of medication reviews in care homes needs to be improved.     

Implementing the role of the primary care mental health worker: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Primary care mental health workers are a new role recently introduced into primary care in England to help manage patients with common mental health problems. AIM: To explore the views of GPs, primary care teams and patients on the value and development of the new role of primary care mental health workers in practice. DESIGN OF STUDY: Qualitative study. SETTING: The Heart of Birmingham Primary Care Teaching Trust in the West Midlands, UK. METHOD: Thirty-seven semi-structured interviews involving seven primary care mental health workers, 21 patients and 11 focus groups involving 38 members of primary care teams were held with six teams with a worker. Two teams asked for the worker to be removed. Six practice managers also took part in the study. RESULTS: A number of different approaches were used to implement this new role. Strategies that incorporated the views of primary care trust senior management, primary care teams and workers' views appeared most successful. Rapid access to a healthcare professional at times of stress and the befriending role of the worker were also highly valued. Workers felt that their role left them professionally isolated at times. A number of workers described tension around ownership of the role. CONCLUSION: Primary care mental health workers appear to provide a range of skills valued by patients and the primary care teams and can increase patient access and choice in this area of health care. Successful implementation strategies highlighted in this study may be generalisable to other new roles in primary care.     

Long-term prescribing of antidepressants in the older population: a qualitative study

Background

High rates of long-term antidepressant prescribing have been identified in the older population.

Aims

To explore the attitudes of older patients and their GPs to taking long-term antidepressant therapy, and their accounts of the influences on long-term antidepressant use.

Design of study

Qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews.

Setting

One primary care trust in North Bradford.

Method

Thirty-six patients aged ≥75 years and 10 GPs were interviewed. Patients were sampled to ensure diversity in age, sex, antidepressant type, and home circumstances.

Results

Participants perceived significant benefits and expressed little apprehension about taking long-term antidepressants, despite being aware of the psychological and social factors involved in onset and persistence of depression. Barriers to discontinuation were identified following four themes: pessimism about the course and curability of depression; negative expectations and experiences of ageing; medicine discontinuation perceived by patients as a threat to stability; and passive (therapeutic momentum) and active (therapeutic maintenance) decisions to accept the continuing need for medication.

Conclusion

There is concern at a public health level about high rates of long-term antidepressant prescribing, but no evidence was found of a drive for change either from the patients or the doctors interviewed. Any apprehension was more than balanced by attitudes and behaviours supporting continuation. These findings will need to be incorporated into the planning of interventions aimed at reducing long-term antidepressant prescribing in older people.     

Perceptions of joint pain and feeling well in older people who reported being healthy: a qualitative study

Background

Older people often view osteoarthritis as a part of normal ageing and see themselves as healthy despite painful joints. Professionals have mixed views about this. One concern is that seeing osteoarthritis as a result of ‘wear and tear’ leads to restricting exercise in order to avoid further wear.

Aim

To explore lay perceptions of wellness and joint pain, and their implications for consulting healthcare professionals and taking exercise.

Design of study

Qualitative, longitudinal study.

Setting

General practice in the North Midlands.

Method

Semi-structured interviews with 27 older people who reported a joint problem but rated themselves as healthy. Diary sheets were sent for 11 consecutive months to record changes in health and circumstances. Thematic data analysis was facilitated by NVivo 8.

Results

A key element of wellness was being able to continue with everyday roles and activities. ‘Wear and tear’ was used to categorise arthritis that is a normal part of old age. New joint symptoms that came on suddenly and severely were not necessarily attributed to ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, and were likely to lead to a professional consultation. Physical activity was not restricted to prevent further wear of affected joint(s). Keeping joints mobile was important in order to maintain independence.

Conclusion

Professionals should explore patients'' ideas and concerns about their joint problem, in order to individually tailor explanations and advice. Patients are likely to be receptive to recommendations that promote independence, but advice needs to be set into patients'' existing ways of living and coping with joint pain.     

GPs asking patients to self-rate their health: a qualitative study

Background

In epidemiological research, self-rated health is an independent predictor of mortality, cardiovascular diseases, and other critical outcomes. It is recommended for clinical use, but research is lacking.

Aim

To investigate what happens in consultations when the question ‘How would you assess your general health compared with others your own age?’ is posed.

Design and setting

Authentic consultations with GPs at health centres in Sweden.

Method

Thirty-three planned visits concerning diabetes, pain, or undiagnosed symptoms were voice-recorded. Dialogue regarding self-rated health was transcribed verbatim and analysed using a systematic text condensation method. Speaking time of patients and doctors was measured and the doctors’ assessment of the value of the question was documented in a short questionnaire.

Results

Two overarching themes are used to describe patients’ responses to the question. First, there was an immediate reaction, often expressing strong emotions, setting the tone of the dialogue and influencing the continued conversation. This was followed by reflection regarding their functional ability, management of illnesses and risks, and/or situation in life. The GPs maintained an attitude of active listening. They sometimes reported a slight increase in consultation time or feeling disturbed by the question, but mostly judged it as valuable, shedding additional light on the patients’ situation and making it easier to discuss difficulties and resources. The patients’ speaking time increased noticeably during this part of the consultation.

Conclusion

Asking patients to comparatively self-rate their health is an effective tool in general practice.     

Views of cancer care reviews in primary care: a qualitative study

Background

The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) provides an incentive for practices to establish a cancer register and conduct a review with cancer patients within 6 months of diagnosis, but implementation is unknown.

Aim

To describe: (1) implementation of the QOF cancer care review; (2) patients'' experiences of primary care over the first 3 years following a cancer diagnosis; (3) patients'' views on optimal care; and (4) the views of primary care professionals regarding their cancer care.

Design of study

Qualitative study using thematic analysis and a framework approach.

Setting

Six general practices in the Thames Valley area.

Method

Semi-structured interviews with cancer patients and focus groups with primary care teams.

Results

Thirty-eight adults with 12 different cancer types were interviewed. Seventy-one primary care team members took part in focus groups. Most cancer care reviews are conducted opportunistically. Thirty-five patients had had a review; only two could recall this. Patients saw acknowledgement of their diagnosis and provision of general support as important and not always adequately provided. An active approach and specific review appointment would legitimise the raising of concerns. Primary care teams considered cancer care to be part of their role. GPs emphasised the importance of being able to respond to individual patients'' needs and closer links with secondary care to facilitate a more involved role.

Conclusion

Patients and primary care teams believe primary care has an important role to play in cancer care. Cancer care reviews in their current format are not helpful, with considerable scope for improving practice in this area. An invitation to attend a specific appointment at the end of active treatment may aid transition from secondary care and improve satisfaction with follow-up in primary care.     

Antenatal needs of couples following fertility treatment: a qualitative study in primary care

Background

It is known that couples may experience emotional distress while undergoing infertility treatment, but less is known about their experience of pregnancy following successful conception. Typically, couples are discharged from the fertility clinic to receive standard antenatal care. Recent research has raised questions about whether this care adequately meets their needs.

Aim

To explore the antenatal experiences of females and males who have successfully conceived through infertility treatment.

Design and setting

An exploratory qualitative approach was undertaken, using individual, in-depth interviews with females and males who had successfully undergone infertility treatment in one of three fertility clinics in the south of England.

Method

Twenty participants were interviewed (12 females and eight male partners) when their pregnancy had reached 28 weeks’ gestation. Participants were asked about their experiences of infertility treatment, pregnancy, and antenatal care. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically.

Results

Analysis of the interviews suggested females and males experienced a ‘gap’ in their care, in terms of time and intensity, when discharged from the fertility clinic to standard antenatal care. This gap, combined with their previous experience of infertility treatment, heightened their fear of pregnancy loss and increased their need for support from their health professionals. Participants’ previous experience of infertility treatment also appeared to deter them from preparing for the birth and parenthood, and disclosing negative feelings to others about the pregnancy.

Conclusion

Females and males who have successfully undergone infertility treatment may require additional support in primary care to address anxiety during pregnancy, enable disclosure of negative feelings, and to help them prepare for childbirth and parenthood.