Pain care coordination in the Veterans Health Administration: a rapid qualitative analysis of care coordinator experiences

Pain care coordination is an integral part of care for veterans receiving pain treatment at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Pain care coordinators (PCCs) work to integrate care activities across the pain management spectrum. However, little is known about the make-up of the PCC role in contrast to other VHA care coordination positions, given the implementation of new VHA pain management roles over the past few years. The objective of the current study was to evaluate PCC perspectives of their role within pain management teams and to identify barriers and recommendations related to performing responsibilities as a PCC. Interviews were conducted with 11 PCCs across 10 VHA facilities, nationwide. Themes were identified using rapid qualitative analysis. PCCs represented a diverse group of providers, including nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and peer support specialists. Three major themes were identified: 1) diverse ways in which PCCs operated in their role, 2) PCC experiences working as a member of a pain management team, and 3) their perspectives on working in a shifting pain management landscape. PCCs can serve a unique and valuable role within pain management settings. Efforts to improve the implementation of care coordination on pain management teams should include PCC role clarification, training, and system-wide efforts to reduce barriers to patient-centered care.