OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to implement evidence-informed strategies by collective involvement of HEOR analysts and clinical subject matter experts from remote sections of Argentina to understand the diagnostic challenges encountered in patients with chronic pain. It also assessed impact of the policy reform introducing digital medical education for general practitioners (GPs).

METHODS: A semi-systematic review of published literature on chronic pain management (CPM) was conducted, supplemented with insights from key opinion leaders in CPM. The diagnostic challenges encountered by patients with pain were assessed. Level of resistance to technology adoption and underlying reasons were studied.

RESULTS: Through analysis, the project team observed the inadequacy of treatment due to a lack of knowledge about novel pain mechanisms and identified a need for training GPs on differential diagnosis. Obsolete clinical guidelines practiced by GPs was another challenge that led to compromised patient journey. To overcome, the use of digital training tools was advocated. However, as GPs were in remote settings with no access to electronic devices, access was a major constraint. Thus, a consensus to adopt the digital approach for updating clinical knowledge was not reached.

CONCLUSIONS: Our research recommended a hybrid approach that combined conventional evidence synthesis methods and real-world insights from key opinion leaders to derive implementation insights. It offers a valuable case study that reveals the grassroot reality, indicating the need for cautious interpretation while generalizing HEOR findings for practice decisions.