Positive Patient-Provider Relationship
- Does the pain care provider have current training in the treatment of pain?
- If not, are they willing to research and/or reach out to other providers for advice?
- Does the provider listen to your pain report, ask questions and listen carefully to your response and concerns?
- Do you report accurately and truthfully about your pain and the effect of the treatment plan? Do you use a pain journal or diary to illustrate how your pain affects your daily living?
- Does the provider encourage you to ask questions and answer them in a thoughtful manner?
- Do you ask questions and answer in a thoughtful manner?
- Does the provider help you set realistic goals to reach with your pain treatment?
- Are you working hard to reach those goals?
- Does the provider take the time to explain each treatment to you? Are both the risks as well as the benefits explained?
- Are you and the provider willing to accept that you may not be in full agreement in the treatment plan and work towards a reasonable compromise?
- Is the provider willing to speak with and listen to your advocate/family or friend, if you are experiencing great pain and unable to express yourself? Is that person allowed to be part of the medical visit?
- Are you and the provider willing to work together to build an effective and workable pain management plan and expect/respect you as a key member of your pain care team?
- Are you and the provider willing to admit when one of you does not understand an issue that affects your pain care?
- Are you willing to research different treatments and medications that are available and comfortable sharing those results with the provider? Is the provider open to receiving and discussing those findings?
