A Swiss Cross-Sectional Study on Patients' Perspectives on Chronic Pain Management, Analgesic Treatment, and Genetic Susceptibility
Abstract
Background: Chronic pain is a prevalent and complex condition that often results in inadequate pharmacotherapy due to interindividual variability in drug response. Pharmacogenetics (PGx) offers a promising approach to personalize pain management, particularly since many analgesic drugs are PGx actionable. However, knowledge about the clinical relevance and patient perspective on PGx in Swiss chronic pain care remains limited.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among chronic pain patients in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. The questionnaire was developed to (1) assess the proportion of patients currently or previously treated with PGx actionable drugs, (2) evaluate therapy satisfaction and the perception of being taken seriously by healthcare professionals (HCPs), and (3) explore patients' awareness of PGx and their interest in genetic pain predisposition.
Results: Among the 725 participants who completed the survey, most reported current or past use of PGx actionable drugs: 85% non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 54% opioids, 38% co-analgesics (antidepressants), and 73% proton-pump-inhibitors (PPIs) used as adjunctive therapy. Over one-third of participants reported no use of any analgesic drug. Therapy dissatisfaction was reported by 33%, and 28% felt not taken seriously by HCPs. Notably, 97% had never been offered PGx testing by an HCP. Despite this, 60% expressed interest in knowing their genetic pain predisposition, even if it…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 725 participants or records.
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