Client/Patient
Individuals’ perceptions of the effectiveness of buprenorphine can impact the acceptance of buprenorphine treatment for chronic pain.
Barriers
Hesitancy about the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine can hinder interest in transitioning to this safer opioid option.
Buprenorphine is best known for OUD treatment, so its use in pain management is often confused or conflated with addiction treatment. Individuals may resist switching to buprenorphine for chronic pain because they fear being labeled as having a substance use disorder.
Facilitators
Client-facing materials, such as frequently asked question guides or medication information pamphlets, can help ensure individuals have an adequate understanding of the safety and efficacy of buprenorphine for chronic pain management.
Qualitative research demonstrates that the quality of communication between individuals and their providers is essential to a positive working relationship in pain management, especially in the setting of buprenorphine initiation.