title: Medication and the patient-doctor relationship: a qualitative study with patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fibromyalgia is characterized by a diffuse and predominantly axial and chronic pain, for which there is no explicit rationale for treatment options.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This qualitative study aims to understand the medication experience of patients with fibromyalgia and their relationship with the doctors derived from treatment negotiation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative approach was used, based on interviews with patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were held in a public hospital, with 35 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Qualitative content analysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The first axis is centred on the unsuccessful quest for an effective treatment for pain and the feeling of dismissal of patients, who are in search of validation and recognition. The second part of the accounts explains the medication adjustments and the search for collaboration. Developing a model of partnership with the doctor enables the patients to shape their own illness, through the medication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is by mediating their relationship with medication that patients gain access to this state of co-expertise and that they put sense into the collaboration they develop with their doctors. Through this collaboration, useful drugs are identified and adjusted to treat the pain.
authors.affiliation: Social Psychology Research Group, EA 4163, Psychology Department, University of Lyon (Lyon 2), Bron, France.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Durif-Bruckert
authors.affiliation: Social Psychology Research Group, EA 4163, Psychology Department, University of Lyon (Lyon 2), Bron, France.
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roux
authors.affiliation: Lyon - Internal Medicine, Claude Bernard University, University Hospital of Lyon South, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Hugues
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rousset
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D057915:Drug Substitution; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017008:Negotiating; D059408:Pain Management; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: doctor-patient collaboration; fibromyalgia; medicines; pain; patient's experience