Barriers to managing chronic pain: perspectives of Appalachian providers

Abstract

Chronic pain is an important cause of morbidity among adults worldwide. Its management presents a greater challenge in the unique demographic of Appalachia. “Physician reluctance to prescribe opioids” has been identified as a major barrier to effective management of chronic pain nationally. The aim of this study was to determine whether prescribers in Appalachian Ohio encountered similar barriers as prescribers elsewhere.