Patients' perspectives about the role of primary healthcare providers in long-term opioid therapy: a qualitative study in Dutch primary care

Abstract

Over the past decade, long-term use of prescription opioids for chronic non-cancer pain has risen globally despite the associated risks. Most opioid users receive their first prescription in primary care. Aim To investigate the perspective of patients who are long-term opioid users in primary care regarding the role of healthcare providers (HCPs) in their prolonged opioid use. Design and setting Semi-structured interviews in Dutch primary care. Method We recruited patients who were long-term users of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain from seven community pharmacies in the Netherlands. In-depth, semi-structured interviews focused on patients’ experiences with long-term opioid use, access to opioids, and the guidance of their HCPs (primarily their GPs and pharmacists). A directed content analysis was conducted on the transcribed interviews using NVivo. Results Participants (n = 25) described ways in which HCPs impacted their long-term use of opioids. These encompassed the initiation of treatment, chronic use of opioids, and discontinuation of treatment. Participants stressed the need for risk counselling during initial prescribing, ongoing medication evaluations including tapering conversations, and more support from their HCP during a tapering attempt. Conclusion Patients’ perspectives illustrate the important role of HCPs across the spectrum of opioid use — from initiation to tapering. The results of this study underscore the importance of clear risk counselling starting at initial prescribing, repeated medication assessments throughout treatment, addressing tapering at regular intervals, and strong support during tapering. These insights carry significant implications for clinical practice, emphasising the importance of informed and patient-centred care when it comes to opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain management.