Cancer Outpatients’ Self‐Reported Pain Relief, Analgesic Adherence, and Constipation during Follow‐Up Support: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Aims and Objectives. This prospective study describes the pain relief, analgesic adherence, and constipation experienced by cancer outpatients with pain during the first three cycles of follow‐up support based on an information system. Methods. Outpatients with cancer pain who received at least three cycles of follow‐up support between 1 July 2020 and 31 March 2022 at our cancer centre were enrolled in this prospective, longitudinal study. Three cycles of follow‐up support were provided by trained nurses over the telephone. Pain relief, analgesic adherence, and constipation were reported by the patients and recorded in the information system by trained nurses during the telephone follow‐up. Results. A total of 386 cancer patients were enrolled in the study. Pain relief and analgesic adherence improved significantly during the three follow‐up cycles after they received support (P < 0.001). The rate of pain relief and analgesic adherence improved at the second cycle compared to the first cycle, but the rate decreased at the third cycle compared to the second cycle. Some patients who had no problems at the first follow‐up cycle experienced new problems during the second and third follow‐up cycles. There was no significant difference in the incidence of constipation between follow‐up cycles (P = 0.078). Conclusions. Cancer outpatients with pain reported increased pain relief and analgesic adherence during follow‐up support. Compared to rates at the first and third cycles, pain relief and analgesic adherence were best at the second cycle after follow‐up support according to the information system. Relevance to Clinical Practice. Changes in pain intensity, analgesic adherence, and constipation were noted over time, which highlights the need for continuous follow‐up to achieve prolonged pain relief in cancer patients after discharge from the hospital.