Physician-pharmacist collaboration on chronic non-cancer pain management during the opioid crisis: A qualitative interview study

Background: Management of chronic non-cancer pain is complex, requiring clinicians to balance pain management with the risk of opioid abuse. The role of ambulatory care pharmacists in chronic pain management is well-established, but little research has explored the feasibility of building collaboration on chronic pain and opioid management between physicians and community pharmacists.

Objective: To explore physician and pharmacist perspectives on the opioid crisis and the possibility of physician and community pharmacist collaborations to manage chronic non-cancer pain in the context of the opioid crisis.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were performed with a snowball convenience sample 15 physicians and 25 pharmacists in North Carolina between November 2016 and April 2017. Transcribed data were analyzed using applied thematic analysis, and resulting codes were organized into themes and domains which emerged from analysis.

Results: Both physicians and pharmacists described current care deficiencies and steps needed to mitigate opioid abuse and diversion. Physicians discussed the need for additional supports and resources for chronic pain management and regarded positively the role of the community pharmacist in chronic pain management and mitigating opioid abuse. Pharmacists identified cost as the major barrier to implementing new services, and expressed willingness to participate in new chronic pain and opioid interventions.

Conclusion: Within the study sample, strong interest exists for collaboration between physicians and community pharmacists. This highlights a potential opportunity to expand care for patients with chronic non-cancer pain.