Table 5 Explanation of the factors within the theme “complaint factors”
Factors | Definition | Quote |
|---|---|---|
Comorbidity | The occurrence of two or more complaints in one patient at the same time. | “Especially if there are indeed often several problems in play…. for example. I have had a patient with a car accident and he does indeed continue to have chronic neck pain, but also has concentration problems and forgetfulness, so several complaints in several areas” (GP1). |
Complexity | The complexity of the pain, estimated by the GP as more or less complex. | “...for more complex problems, I refer to Roessingh (3rd line care) and for simpler problems to Medinello (2nd line care)” (GP3). |
Vicious cycle | Patients who were experiencing struggles in multiple domains, often psychological or physical problems combined with social or work problems. These different types of problems increased the other problem, which caused a circularity which was hard to break. | “When a patient gets stuck in a vicious cycle, for example: the patient does not move or exercise anymore because of the pain.” (GP5). |