RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Supporting Better Access to Chronic Pain Specialists: The Champlain BASE™ eConsult Service JF The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine JO J Am Board Fam Med FD American Board of Family Medicine SP 766 OP 774 DO 10.3122/jabfm.2017.06.170170 VO 30 IS 6 A1 Clare Liddy A1 Catherine Smyth A1 Patricia A. Poulin A1 Justin Joschko A1 Matthew Sheppard A1 Erin Keely YR 2017 UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/30/6/766.abstract AB Introduction: Excessive wait times for chronic pain are associated with significant reductions in quality of life and worse health outcomes. The Champlain BASE™ (Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation) eConsult service can improve access to specialist care for patients with chronic pain by facilitating electronic communication between primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists. We explored the content of eConsult cases sent to chronic pain specialists to identify the major themes emerging from exchanges between PCPs and specialists regarding patients with chronic pain.Methods: We conducted a thematic analysis of eConsult cases submitted to chronic pain specialists between April 1, 2011 and October 31, 2014, using a constant comparison approach.Results: PCPs submitted 128 cases to chronic pain specialists during the study period. The study team coded 48 cases before data saturation was reached. PCPs sought advice for treating patients with chronic pain arising from a range of medical problems, and who frequently struggled with issues of mental health, substance dependence, and social complexity. Specialists responded with advice on pain management and treatment, directed PCPs to published guidelines and community resources, and validated the PCPs’ frustration or concerns. Specialists provided instruction on safe opioid prescribing and how to identify and manage potential cases of substance dependence.Conclusion: Providing care to patients with chronic pain is a challenge for PCPs, who often experience frustration at their inability to provide a definitive solution for patients. Specialists offered invaluable feedback not only through guidance and advice, but also with sympathy and encouragement.