Role of the GP
| Themes | Explanation | Exemplar quotes |
| GP as information giver and sounding board. | Prior discussion with GPs helped participants to prepare. Often this meant more interest or confidence in I-WOTCH. | ‘Talking through (with the GP) made me realise I was ready’ 4 control |
| Trust in doctor | Participants spoke of a history of trying everything else before opioids and often upward titration. They accepted this as they trusted their doctor. | ‘I sort of trusted my doctor that he was doing the right thing by me…’ 28 control |
| Teamwork | Some participants described a good working relationship with their doctor who supported and encouraged tapering. | ‘… I’d come down an awful lot and my doctor was absolutely gobsmacked… she calls me ‘her star patient…’…she’s a fantastic GP…. she wanted me to succeed as much as I did so it was teamwork but if you’ve got a good GP like that you’re sailing aren’t you but some are too busy!’ 31 intervention |
| GP reluctance | There were some participants whose doctor was resistant to them tapering. | ‘they didn’t think I would get off them’ (opioids) (because of their pain) 13 intervention ‘(You)Can’t come off them we’ve tried all sorts’ 15 control |
| Access to GP | Some participants felt it was difficult to get to see their GP. | ‘… getting help really it’s very difficult and getting an appointment up here is very difficult!’ 20 control |
GP, general practitioner.