A Tricky One: Barriers to Non-opioid Pain Management in University Healthcare

We explored palliation practices and experiences among providers at university campus health centers to assess the availability and viability of non-opioid options for student patients. We interviewed 10 healthcare providers at the campus health center for a large research university in the southeastern United States. Data were collected via semi- structured interviews. Analyses of interview transcripts were performed via content analysis with open coding. We identified multiple barriers to non-opioid pain management. Non-opioid modalities were more likely to receive no insurance subsidy, and thus, to go unused even if clinically indicated. Providers also reported high levels of concern with potential opioid dependency, as well as interest in safer options for long-term palliation. Contextualizing results from our case study with prior literature from other care settings suggests that lack of access to non-opioid options presents challenges for university students who live with chronic pain

That Pain Is Genuine to Them : Provider Perspectives on Chronic Pain in University Student Populations

We explored provider attitudes about and experiences in chronic pain management for university student populations. Our central question was: “What do providers at a large university campus health care center experience in the process of offering pain management services?” We explored instrumental, behavioral, emotional, and attitudinal dimensions of our participants’ experiences using a qualitative case study approach. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 10 health care providers at the student health center for a large research university in Florida. Interviews captured providers’ background and experiences in providing pain management to student patients with diverse needs. We used grounded theory techniques for data analysis, i.e. collaborative content analysis with open coding. Data reflect differences in perceptions of chronic pain prevalence and palliation best practices. We identified five themes: different perceptions of chronic pain prevalence, awareness of painful conditions, palliation as a contested process, importance of communication, and multidimensional perspectives. Responses varied by training, specialization, experience, and sociodemographics. Our findings mirror the broader literature on pain management. We outline priorities for further research in university health care settings, and suggest participatory strategies for translating associated findings into targeted plans for clinical care improvement