• Katherine Hadlandsmyth, Kenda R Stewart, Monica B Paez, Melissa Steffen, Molly Meth, Heather Schacht Reisinger, and Hilary J Mosher.
• Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.
• Pain Med. 2019 Jun 1; 20 (6): 1141-1147.

ObjectiveTo elucidate perspectives on opioids and opioid use from hospitalized veterans with comorbid chronic pain using qualitative methods.DesignThis was an analysis of individual qualitative interviews. The semistructured interview guide was developed by a hospitalist with clinical expertise in pain treatment with guidance from a medical anthropologist. Interviews aimed to understand participants' experiences of chronic pain.SettingA Midwestern Veterans Health Administration inpatient hospital unit.SubjectsNineteen inpatient veterans with a history of chronic pain or antecedent opioid use.MethodsRecently admitted veterans were screened for chronic pain diagnosis on admission and antecedent opioid use. Eligible veterans were approached to participate in an in-person interview during their hospitalization.ResultsThe following themes were identified in relation to opioid use: other patients as the problem (by misusing opioids resulting in broad limits to opioid access), empathy for providers (perceived to be working under prescribing constraints), and opioids as a last resort.ConclusionsAlthough participants were not specifically questioned about opioid medications, discussion of opioids was prevalent in discussions of chronic pain. Findings suggest the potential utility of engaging hospitalized veterans in conversations about opioids and alternative pain management strategies.2018 American Academy of Pain Medicine. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

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