Table 1.

Comparison of RNs and HTs perspective caring for patients with chronic pain.

RN's Coded Comments	HT's Coded Comments
Role is to support patient & provider with chronic pain management. To provide education, assist pain, allow patient to express or reiterate experiences, offer feedback and be advocate for patient.	They [patients] have our teams to turn to; they get to know they have the support they need.
Futile feeling when there is not any options	You can only do so much hearing them telling you how much pain their in; you feel helpless
Most of the patients come to PCC as walk in and time is limited.	We are constantly made aware of Patients chronic pain by telephone, and walk-in to their provider
Constant request for increase in dose/quality of pain meds	I see a growing trend how some patients come repeatedly as they know pain = medication.
Feeling skeptical of whether pt. is “really in pain” or misusing (selling/giving to others)	There seems to be a real problem with drug dependence & misuse. We know there are some who genuinely need the med, but some are just taking too many
[patients] can be verbally abusive and staff does not always have recourse for this	Patients become very angry-They will call patient advocate to complain
After issues have been resolved, there is a sense of accomplishment. Reinforcement of my belief that frequent patient contact improves their outcome.	Positive to see improvement when the patient can adjust to and live with chronic pain without always having narcotics