Chronic primary pain in primary care: an exploration of GP perspectives

Abstract

Aim: To explore the perspectives of GPs working in the UK in relation to caring for people living with CPP, including the challenges encountered in management and use of related chronic pain guidelines in practice.

Design and setting: A UK-wide qualitative semi-structured interview study in primary care.

Method: Purposive and snowball sampling were employed to recruit 15 GP participants from across the four jurisdictions of the UK. Online semi-structured interviews were undertaken and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Three main themes were generated from the data: (1) “How to start? Problematic beginnings” referred to difficulties surrounding diagnosis of CPP; (2) “Where to go? Mapping the management challenge” referred to issues undertaking appropriate management and (3) “How to get there? Navigating strategies and response” explored participant awareness and acceptability of relevant UK guidelines regarding chronic pain. Areas identified for potential improvement involved further access to non-pharmacological management options and secondary care input, support with deprescribing and involvement of an expanded multidisciplinary team.

Conclusion: CPP is a complex condition to both diagnose and manage, requiring adequate time and resources. Guidelines provide a useful framework and promote a holistic approach to assessment and management of CPP, but translating recommendations into practice has proved challenging.

Date of Award	Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	GP Academic & Research Training Scheme
Supervisor	Nigel Hart (Supervisor) & Carmel Hughes (Supervisor)