title: Mixed Experiences and Perceptions of Psychological Treatment for Chronic Pain in Singapore: Skepticism, Ambivalence, Satisfaction, and Potential.
abstract: There is little research in Southeast Asia focusing on patients' experiences of seeking psychological treatment for chronic pain.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to understand the experiences of patients seeking psychological treatment for chronic pain in this region.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatient pain clinic at a tertiary hospital in Singapore.
  
  
  METHODS
  People with experiences of attending psychological treatment for chronic pain, including some who were not receiving this type of treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen inductive semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore patients' experiences regarding psychological treatment for their chronic pain. Thematic analysis was then applied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three main themes were identified: "Expectations and Realities of Health Professionals," "Patients' Attitudes and Beliefs," and "Practical and Social Factors." From the patients' perspectives, an empathetic health professional who was willing to listen contributed to a positive treatment seeking experience. Patients felt that health professionals' lack of knowledge about appropriate treatment contributed to their frustration. Patients could not understand how psychological treatment was related to pain treatment and queried why they were "paying just to talk." Conversely, their experiences were quite positive, and they found psychological treatments helpful when they participated in them.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Education for both patients and health professionals unfamiliar with psychological treatments for pain may improve access to these treatments.
authors: Health Psychology Section, Psychology Department, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.|Pain Management Clinic, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore.
authors: Su-Yin
authors: SY
authors: Yang
authors: Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, City University, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Angeliki
authors: A
authors: Bogosian
authors: Health Psychology Section, Psychology Department, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Rona
authors: R
authors: Moss-Morris
authors: Health Psychology Section, Psychology Department, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Lance M
authors: LM
authors: McCracken
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012846:Singapore
keywords: Chronic Pain; Patients' Experiences; Psychological Treatment; Singapore