There is a vast amount of existing literature identifying the complex issues related to chronic pain management. Thus, researchers in a Midwest academic health center decided to conduct a literature review as well as a retrospective patient record review to investigate the treatment of nonmalignant, chronic musculoskeletal pain. This particular facility treats a significantly large number of patients diagnosed with nonmalignant chronic musculoskeletal pain. Therefore, it was an ideal location for this study.
NPs provided all of the primary care in this setting to an uninsured population at 175% of poverty level or less. All patients in this study were covered by a county-sponsored, limited-benefit health plan with a limited medication formulary. Exploring and describing NPs' management of chronic musculoskeletal pain was the primary focus of the research inquiry and resulted in recommendations for education, practice, and research.
This study adds to the body of nursing knowledge by describing the chronic pain management practices of NPs in primary care on an uninsured population. The intention of the literature review was to describe the diverse interventions and other factors affecting chronic pain management that were also examined in the research study.
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