Pain management in cancer patients in tertiary care hospitals

Abstract

Objective: To examine available treatment approaches in managing pain in cancer patients.
Methodology: The target population of the study entailed patients who were diagnosed with cancer havingacute or chronic pain, from five different tertiary care hospitals A, B, C, D, E. A data collection formwas designed and distributed among the 100 patients, gathering information about the pain intensity andthe pain management therapy.
Results: In 63% of the patients with cancer pain, NSAIDS were being prescribed and only 25% of patientswere receiving strong opioids. The most common side effects were nausea and vomiting which accountedfor 42%. Anti-emetics were given in 56% of patients to avoid these unwanted side effects. For 49% patientsthe pain relief was in the range of 65%. The drug taking behavior of patients was monitored and documentedin 68% of the cases. There were no referrals to pain or palliative care specialists. In rare casespatients were reluctant to take opioids. There was a need for coordination between physicians, pharmacistsand nurses for adequate pain management of cancer patients.

Conclusion: Pain management in cancer patients was inadequate, though analgesics were being givenproperly and the physicians were following the WHO pain ladder to quite an extent. Use of opioids andmild opioids was limited.