Severe Chronic Low Back Pain: Patient Journey from Onset of Symptoms to Strong Opioid Treatments in Europe

Abstract

Aim: We report the first patient roadmap in severe chronic low back pain (cLBP) in Europe, assessing the views of cLBP patients and general practitioners (GPs) who treat cLBP with regard to current cLBP management. Methodology: Patient journey mapping was conducted in four European countries to assess the views of cLBP patients (n = 20) and GPs (n = 40). Results: Four broad phases of cLBP, subdivided into eight individual steps, were identified as part of the patient journey, showing a disconnect between patients’ and physicians’ treatment goals, and expectations regarding pain relief levels for some patients. Conclusion: Improved communication, with greater involvement of patients in multimodal management decisions, might benefit the GP–patient relationship and overall outcomes for cLBP patients.

Keywords::

• chronic pain
• low back pain
• opioids
• pain management
• patient journey mapping

Supplementary data

To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/pmt-2021-0009

Author contributions

All the authors critically reviewed the draft manuscript and approved the final version of the manuscript for publication.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This study was sponsored by Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany. B Morlion received honoraria for speaker’s activities for Medscape and Krka and consultancy activities for Reckitt Benckiser, Grünenthal, and Pfizer Belgium. D Aldington received honoraria for participation in Advisory Boards and the Change Pain project both with Grünenthal. G Finco and M Überall have received funding for a variety of projects from Grünenthal not related to this publication. At the time of the study and during preparation of the manuscript, R Karra was employed by Grünenthal GmbH.

Medical writing support was provided by Content Ed Net, with funding from Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany.

Additional information

Funding

This study was sponsored by Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany. B Morlion received honoraria for speaker’s activities for Medscape and Krka and consultancy activities for Reckitt Benckiser, Grünenthal, and Pfizer Belgium. D Aldington received honoraria for participation in Advisory Boards and the Change Pain project both with Grünenthal. G Finco and M Überall have received funding for a variety of projects from Grünenthal not related to this publication. At the time of the study and during preparation of the manuscript, R Karra was employed by Grünenthal GmbH. Medical writing support was provided by Content Ed Net, with funding from Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany.