Patients’ knowledge of pain agreements
This study was conducted to determine patients' knowledge of pain agreements. A 28-item questionnaire regarding patients' knowledge of pain agreements was distributed to pain management office patients. Results showed participants (N = 76) scored 30%-100% (mean 80%) on knowledge of 10 pain agreement items. The authors concluded: patients demonstrated moderate knowledge of terms. Pain agreements were developed to promote communication between the provider and patient regarding long-term use of opioid medications and to prevent misuse. Patients must understand their pain agreements in order for them to be effective; however, there is little available research exploring patients' perceptions and understanding of pain agreements. The objective of this pilot study was to examine patients' understanding and perceptions of pain agreements and measure their knowledge of the terms of the pain agreement, which they signed upon entry into a pain management practice. Despite the limitations, including a nonrandomized sample and nonvalidated tool, this pilot study lends insight into patients' understanding, or lack thereof, of pain agreements. While this study did not seek to determine the cause of the lack of understanding, study findings serve to stimulate future research to fill a gap that is necessary to close in on. Furthermore, healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to reevaluate the pain agreement they are using to ensure the readability level is at or below the recommended sixth grade reading level. Regular review of the terms of the pain agreement can enhance understanding and adherence. Most important, it is imperative that patients grasp the terms of the contract, particularly if violation of those terms can result in dismissal from practice.