Providers' roles in enhancing patients' adherence to pain self management

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.