Healthcare Providers' Attitudes and Biases Regarding Chronic Pain and the Patient-Provider Relationship

Background: Chronic pain affects millions of Americans, and is often underreported, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. The Institute of Medicine has called for a “cultural transformation” in how chronic pain is addressed.

Objectives: The purpose of this literature review was to explore the current research to identify some of the common attitudes and biases that healthcare providers possess toward patients presenting with chronic pain and to determine ways in which the patient-provider relationship can be strengthened in dealing with chronic pain.

Method: An integrative literature review was conducted. Data analysis was performed, and common themes throughout the literature were identified.

Findings/Results: Three common themes throughout the literature were that many healthcare providers feel that chronic pain patients are untrustworthy, drug-seeking, and expect a quick-fix for their pain. Strong communication, empathy, and education were identified as the major ways through which to strengthen the patient-provider relationship.

Conclusions: Identifying some of the attitudes and biases that are commonly held by healthcare providers about patients with chronic pain will help to increase the awareness of such beliefs and stigmas so that they can be overcome. This will allow for healthcare providers to care for their patients as individuals, and ultimately will strengthen the patient-provider relationship in dealing with chronic pain.

Key Words: chronic pain, healthcare provider, attitude, bias, and patient-provider relationship