PAIN MANAGEMENT IN CANCER PATIENTS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS

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 having acute or chronic pain, from five different tertiary care hospitals A, B, C, D, E. A data collection form was designed and distributed among the 100 patients, gathering information about the pain intensity and the pain management therapy. Results: In 63% of the patients with cancer pain, NSAIDS were being prescribed and only 25% of patients were receiving strong opioids. The most common side effects were nausea and vomiting which accounted for 42%. Anti-emetics were given in 56% of patients to avoid these unwanted side effects. For 49% patients the pain relief was in the range of 65%. The drug taking behavior of patients was monitored and documented in 68% of the cases. There were no referrals to pain or palliative care specialists. In rare cases patients were reluctant to take opioids. There was a need for coordination between physicians, pharmacists and nurses for adequate pain management of cancer patients. Conclusion: Pain management in cancer patients was inadequate, though analgesics were being given properly and the physicians were following the WHO pain ladder to quite an extent. Use of opioids and mild opioids was limited.