Table 1 Themes and concepts extracted from subject interviews

Altruisim

Desire to help other patients

Give back to others

“This study will be helpful for future patients.”

“It would benefit people to know which medication work well.”

Scientific advancement

Contribute to research

Improve personal education

“I would like to participate to learn more about the medications that help with pain.”

“I think research is important.”

Benefit personal pain management

Rescue medications

Better pain management due to follow-up

“I think that having this follow up closely, it is kind of nice to have in terms of pain management.”

“It would be ok because you will give the back up incase there is much pain.”

Poor pain management

Uncontrolled pain

“I don’t want to suffer.”

“Pain is a main concern for me.”

Blinding to medication

Desire for medication preference

Not knowing which medication taken

“The concerns will be that I will not know what I am taking.”

“I would like to pick what I am using.”

Negative perception of opioids

Addiction

Association with illicit activity

“I don’t think I would like to have that drug sold on street.”

“Opioids have high addiction properties.”

Side effects

–

“I know Ibuprofen has many side effects like high blood pressure, damage to kidney.”

“One concern might be that non-steroidal might upset your stomach.”

Patient co-morbidities

Previous medical conditions

“I have rheumatoid arthritis and I have already an issue with pain and I am medication for that and I have been told not to take Ibuprophen. I have found that Ibuprophen does not work for me anyway.”

“I am allergic to one of the medications of the study.”