ABSTRACT
Practice guidelines and empirical research related to pain management encourage clinicians to take active roles in providing
education about self management and promoting adoption of a self-management approach. The purpose of the study was to review
the relevant literature, summarize aspects of the patient–provider interaction that influence patient engagement in self management
for chronic pain, and outline practice recommendations in this area. Review of the literature on aspects of the patient–provider
interaction that promote engagement in pain self-management was used. Findings are synthesized into recommendations for providers.
Patients benefit from a biopsychosocial and patient-centered approach. Patients are more likely to fully disclose when providers
respond empathically, which can improve conceptualization and treatment. Patient education and motivation play important roles
in engaging patients in self management. Self management is influenced in part by the patient–provider communication process.
Suggestions for communication strategies to facilitate patient engagement in self-management techniques, including empathic
discussion of barriers and motivation enhancement, are provided.
education about self management and promoting adoption of a self-management approach. The purpose of the study was to review
the relevant literature, summarize aspects of the patient–provider interaction that influence patient engagement in self management
for chronic pain, and outline practice recommendations in this area. Review of the literature on aspects of the patient–provider
interaction that promote engagement in pain self-management was used. Findings are synthesized into recommendations for providers.
Patients benefit from a biopsychosocial and patient-centered approach. Patients are more likely to fully disclose when providers
respond empathically, which can improve conceptualization and treatment. Patient education and motivation play important roles
in engaging patients in self management. Self management is influenced in part by the patient–provider communication process.
Suggestions for communication strategies to facilitate patient engagement in self-management techniques, including empathic
discussion of barriers and motivation enhancement, are provided.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Practice Tools
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s13142-012-0158-z
- Authors
- Lindsey Dorflinger, Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Robert D Kerns, Pain Research, Informatics, Medical comorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Stephen M Auerbach, Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Journal Translational Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1613-9860
- Print ISSN 1869-6716