Patient Education on Nonopioid Pain Management in Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Project

Authors

  • Gilbert Che Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine at Tulsa
  • Krista Schumacher Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM)

Abstract

Background

Chronic pain is frequently managed with opioid therapy despite known risks and limitations, and rural populations have experienced disproportionate opioid-related morbidity and mortality. Given this burden, increasing awareness of nonopioid pain management strategies is needed. Patient education may support patient-centered decision making and consideration of opioid alternatives. This quality improvement project, conducted during a four-week clinical rotation, evaluated whether brief education increased awareness of nonopioid options, perceived control over pain management, and interest in nonopioid approaches.

Methods

Adult patients receiving opioid therapy for chronic pain at a rural primary care clinic received brief education on nonopioid pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options during routine visits. Anonymous post-intervention surveys assessed awareness of alternatives, perceived control over pain, and interest in opioid reduction. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results

Eight patients completed surveys. All reported increased awareness of alternatives. Most reported increased perceived control (75%). Nearly 40% reported greater interest in nonopioid strategies, and 25% expressed interest in reducing opioid use.

Conclusions

Brief clinic-integrated education may increase perceived control over pain management and awareness of nonopioid alternatives. Such efforts may promote shared decision-making and multimodal pain management in rural primary care.

Keywords: opioid stewardship; rural health; primary care; multimodal pain management; quality improvement; patient education

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Published

2026-05-14

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Articles

Section

Public Health

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