BACKGROUND: In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids. Opioids are responsible for: Three-fourths of all prescription drug overdose deaths in 2013: More than 16,200 deaths in the United States in 20132. Nationally, deaths involving opioids have quadrupled since 1999. The sharp rise in prescription opioid overdose deaths closely parallels the increase in the prescribing of these drugs. Opioid sales in the United States quadrupled from 1999 to 2010. Treatment of CNCP with opioids is a major medical and social challenge for primary care providers.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a focus group that would identify attitudes, emotions, and reflections of providers as they treat patients with opioids for CNCP.

CONCLUSIONS: While a predominance of negative experiences and challenges were reported, positive emotions during this focus group demonstrated that providers appreciate the opportunity to share their experiences on this sensitive topic. Primary care providers face barriers to treat CNCP patients on an individual and institutional level. Better provider training and implementation of standard guidelines were among the most common suggestions for improvement. Input obtained during this focus group was used to help ourinstitution develop standardized practice guidelines for the use of opioids for CNCP in the primary care setting.