Validity of the screener and opioid assessment for patients with pain-revised (SOAPP-R) in patients with cancer

Abstract

Objective: To determine the utility of the screener and opioid assessment for patients with pain-revised (SOAPP-R) for patients with cancer-related pain. Design: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of cancer patients screened with the SOAPP-R. Opiate abuse was determined using a combination of urine drug screens and analysis of patients’ electronic medical records.Setting/Patients: Patients who were seen at a palliative care clinic presenting with pain or needing an opioid prescription at an academic medical center with any type of cancer were screened using the SOAPP-R (N = 69).Outcome measures: Aberrant opioid-related behavior was determined using a combination of provider notes and urine drug screens.Results: A positive SOAPP-R score (≥18) was observed in 27 participants (39.1 percent). The sensitivity and specificity of the SOAPP-R in the study population was 0.75 and 0.80, respectively.Conclusions: The SOAPP-R, in its current form, may have value in screening patients with cancer for substance abuse. Incorporation of the screening tool in palliative and oncology settings may help reduce opioid abuse in cancer patients.