A Swiss Cross-Sectional Study on Patients' Perspectives on Chronic Pain Management, Analgesic Treatment, and Genetic Susceptibility.

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 would not affect their treatment. This interest was significantly higher among younger participants and those who were dissatisfied or felt not taken seriously by HCPs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first large-scale, representative insights into the use of PGx actionable drugs and treatment patterns in Swiss chronic pain care. In particular, the high prevalence of PGx actionable drug use and the strong patient interest in genetic information support not only the clinical, but also the biopsychosocial potential of PGx for chronic pain management.