The Impact of Physician Empathy and Shared Decision-Making on Chronic Pain Management and Outcomes

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TOMA/TXACOFP 17th Annual Convention

This session will provide an overview of validated research instruments that are used to measure physician empathy (Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure) and shared decision-making (Communication Behavior Questionnaire) as reported by patients with chronic pain, including how physician empathy and shared decision-making during medical encounters may be classified. New longitudinal data from the PRECISION Pain Research Registry will be presented to show how physician empathy impacts chronic pain outcomes over 12 months, including pain intensity, function, and health-related quality of life. Similarly, registry data will be used to show how shared decision-making impacts ongoing opioid prescribing for chronic pain over 12 months, including opioid discontinuation, tapering, or maintenance, and related outcomes. Historical and current perspectives on physician empathy and shared decision-making will be presented, including recommendations for potential action.

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Understand how physician empathy is measured and reported by patients.
2. Understand how physician communication is measured and reported by patients.
3. Appreciate the association between physician empathy and chronic pain outcomes over 12 months.
4. Appreciate the association between shared decision-making and prescribing of opioid therapy over 12 months and related outcomes.
5. Realize the opportunities and challenges in making recommendations pertaining to physician empathy and shared decision-making among patients with chronic pain.