Pain KAP Study - Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Cancer Pain Management in North India
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Pain management is critical in the everyday job of healthcare professionals who encounter patients who are in pain on a regular basis. To provide efficient pain treatment, these healthcare professionals must acquire extensive training and have a solid grasp of cancer-related pain. Regrettably, adherence to the World Health Organization's (WHO) treatment recommendations is frequently poor. Our research aims to analyze cancer patients' pain management understanding and practices, as well as medical oncologists' attitudes, knowledge, and practices in the context of pain treatment. Methodology: The study involved the distribution of pain management tool questionnaires to oncologists (Consultant Oncologists, senior registrars) during their outpatient department (OPD) visits. The questionnaire comprised a total of 27 questions, which were a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer format. Results: Despite the fact that many oncologists are acquainted with the WHO pain ladder and grading system, barely half of them use it on a regular basis. Only a few oncologists are knowledgeable with opioid dose, maximum dosage, and conversion formulas, while the others are only vaguely acquainted. In terms of hospital resources, the majority of oncologists have access to a pain management team; however, only a few of them engage with this team on a regular basis, and the vast majority never involve the pain management team in patient care choices. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a lack of both knowledge and training in pain treatment. Because good pain management is a vital component of successful cancer therapy, we believe that pain management training should be prioritized within the oncology curriculum
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4402692377