Analysis of current clinical survey of chronic non-cancer pain-relief and opioid: the Chinese subgroup report of ACHEON study

Abstract

Objective To survey the current clinical practice of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) management including opioid use in Chinese subgroup report of Current Practices of Cancer and Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Management: A Pan-Asian Study (ACHEON). Methods This questionnaire-based survey included 100 pain physicians and 250 patients experiencing CNCP in the period of September to December in 2013. Results CNCP management training was believed by 40% of physicians, while 30% reported adequate pain-relief training on opioid use. Opioids were not considered as the best choice for CNCP management by 65% of physicians. The majority of location of pain with CNCP was legs/feet (59.2%) and neck (39.2%), arthritis (37.22%), overuse (26.91%), and poor posture (35.56%) were reported as the primary causes of pain. A portion (81.6%) of patients was under treatment, while 66.67% of patients claimed to be satisfied with their current pain treatment. 74.51% of patients reported that CNCP management was effective pain-relief. Conclusions The Chinese physicians were insufficient cognition of CNCP management on opioid use. The CNCP education and cognition strengthening, CNCP management practice and patient's satisfaction are still necessary for Chinese physicians and patients. Key words: Pain/DT; Analgesics, opioid/TU