In this approach, patients will get educational tools and materials that are often used in chronic pain management. We call these materials “patient education and activation tools.” Earlier studies have showed the effectiveness of such materials in improving patient-doctor communication.

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These tools both prepare patients for their visits and also encourage doctors to bring up more themes during appointments. The goal of this approach is to improve communication and shared decision-making. Achieving this goal depends on a two-way discussion of treatment objectives, preferences, and values between patients and doctors.

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