Results from a new survey conducted by Versta Research were published this month in the American Chronic Pain Association’s (ACPA) quarterly publication, Chronicle. Initial findings were announced by the ACPA in August. The survey was sponsored through a collaboration between ACPA and Pfizer, Inc. to help shed light on communications gaps between people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and healthcare providers. These issues are the focus of a new educational initiative called Diabetic Nerve Pain: Starting the Dialogue.

The survey included 1,004 U.S. adults diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who experience symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It also included 500 healthcare professionals in clinical practice who treat people with diabetes, including 250 generalist physicians (family/general practice and internists), 150 specialist physicians (endocrinologists, neurologists, pain medicine specialists and podiatrists), and 100 nurses and physician assistants (including 30 non-prescribing RNs).

“A powerful and compelling aspect of the research is that it documents perspectives from both those who have DPN and those who treat it” said Joseph Hopper, president of Versta Research. “And it further documents how each side views the patient-physician relationship, which is always crucial to designing an effective education program that encourages dialogue.”

More information about the survey and about the new educational initiative can be obtained from the ACPA website and from www.DiabetesPainHelp.com.