peer response

Dr. and Peers,

Instead of collecting numerical data points or intervening or introducing treatments, just like in quantitative research, qualitative research helps generate hypotheses and further investigate and understand quantitative data. A Qualitative study is based on people’s lived experiences. It involves interviewing and gathering data to answer the research question and then creating interventions that will work without using opioid treatment.

To understand our barriers and facilitators in nonpharmacological pain management,  Becker et al.; performed a qualitative research study where they took eight separate groups. Two of the eight groups were only women, two groups were just men, and the others were mixed. The mean age of the participants was 55 years old. Women and engage each in a nominal group technique. Each group came up with a list of barriers and one more list that contained the facilitators. Secondly, they compiled a group list from the individual list and then anonymously voted on the three top barriers and facilitators of nonpharmacological pain management techniques (Becker et al.). Finally, the research team categorized the groups with the input from the staff who is working with these patients.

The study was composed of 52 participants, 26 patients and 26 Primary care providers of the PCP 14 were nurses and 12 PCP who participated. The study aimed to identify merging themes. The barrier themes were as follows (1) access; (2) awareness or knowledge; (3) patient-provider interaction; (4) treatment (5) support (Becker et al.). The researchers also took this information and found several facilitators that may help with the use of nonpharmacological pain interventions.

This qualitative study is essential because after identifying the needed information, the team can sit down and create interventions for other modalities for controlling chronic pain while minimizing opioid use, thus reducing the opioid epidemic.

This is essential in understanding why many patients do not follow through when other things are ordered, such as physical therapy, massage therapy, or other nonpharmacological pain treatments.