Pain Management Team Research Articles

Body reprogramming. Service improvement analysis of a new group-based therapy for fibromyalgia

Purpose: Fibromyalgia is a challenging condition for healthcare professionals to manage. It is common, with a prevalence rate of around 2% and adversely impacts on quality of life. The Plymouth Pain Management team has introduced a novel therapeutic approach for patients utilising the Hyland theoretical model for functional disorders. This reconceptualises fibromyalgia through adaptive network theory. The resulting therapeutic approach, named Body Reprogramming (BR), relies on a strong narrative and focus on skills to successfully manage the condition. Core strategies include optimal movement, mindfulness meditation, compassion focused therapy skills and activity patterns analysis. A further free to access, supportive guide is provided on the website www.bodyreprogramming.org. Many of these components align with EULAR guidelines on evidence-based non-pharmacological based modalities for Fibromyalgia. The introduction of a new therapeutic approach requires a robust service improvement evaluation. Initial results are provided here.

350 Feasibility of Implementing a Dedicated Emergency Department Pain Team from a Financial Standpoint

Pain is the leading cause of emergency department (ED) visits and untreated acute pain has been shown to frequently transition to chronic pain (1, 2). It is unclear whether a dedicated pain management team would be a financially achievable means to address this common ED presentation.

Effect of Physician-Pharmacist Participation in the Management of Ambulatory Cancer Pain Through a Digital Health Platform: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundSelf-management of ambulatory cancer pain is full of challenges. Motivated by the need for better pain management, we developed a WeChat-supported platform, Medication Housekeeper (MediHK), to enhance communication, optimize outcomes, and promote self-management in the home setting.ObjectiveWe conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess whether the joint physician-pharmacist team through MediHK would provide better self-management of ambulatory patients with cancer pain.MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or control group. During the 4-week study period, the pharmacist would send 24-hour pain diaries daily, adverse drug reaction (ADR) forms every 3 days, and the Brief Pain Inventory form every 15 days to patients in the intervention group via MediHK. If a patient needed a change in drug/dosage or treatment of an ADR after the comprehensive review, the pharmacist would propose pharmacological interventions to the attending physician, who was then responsible for prescribing or adjusting pain medications. If no adjustments were needed, the pharmacist provided appropriate targeted education based on knowledge deficits. Patients in the control group received conventional care and did not receive reminders to fill out the forms. However, if the control group patients filled out a form via MediHK, the pain management team would review and respond in the same way as for the intervention group. The primary outcomes included pain intensity and pain interference in daily life. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcome measures, medication adherence, ADRs, and rehospitalization rates.ResultsA total of 100 patients were included, with 51 (51%) in the intervention group and 49 (49%) in the control group. The worst pain scores, least pain scores, and average pain scores in the intervention group and the control group were statistically different, with median values of 4 (IQR 3-7) vs 7 (IQR 6-8; P=.001), 1 (IQR 0-2) vs 2 (IQR 1-3; P=.02), and 2 (IQR 2-4) vs 4 (IQR 3-5; P=.001), respectively, at the end of the study. The pain interference on patients' general activity, mood, relationships with others, and interests was reduced, but the difference was not statistically significant compared with the control group (Ps=.10-.76). The medication adherence rate increased from 43% to 63% in the intervention group, compared with an increase of 33% to 51% in the control group (P<.001). The overall number of ADRs increased at 4 weeks, and more ADRs were monitored in the intervention group (P=.003). Rehospitalization rates were similar between the 2 groups.ConclusionsThe joint physician-pharmacist team operating through MediHK improved pain management. This study supports the feasibility of integrating the internet into the self-management of cancer pain.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900023075; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=36901

Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Chronic Pain Management: Low Dose Ketamine Infusion

<h3>Background Information</h3> Despite tremendous efforts in pain management, half of the cancer patients suffer and die with pain. Quality of pain management has a direct effect on the patient perception in the value of cancer treatment. Literature shows Low-Dose Ketamine Infusion produces significant improvements in chronic pain. Transitioning this outpatient procedure to a Non-OR procedure has ensured safer and more effective care aligned with the standard of the regulatory and credentialing agencies. We identified a need for staff education, enhanced communication and inter-departmental collaboration to facilitate high-quality patient care. <h3>Objectives of Project</h3> To ensure effective pain management through patient-centered and an interdisciplinary team-approach to meet the standards of the regulatory and credentialing agencies. <h3>Process of Implementation</h3> The Non-OR Recovery and the Chronic Pain Management teams collaboratively developed a new policy and treatment pathway for low dose Ketamine infusion that meets the scope of the nursing practice decision-making framework. An educational series was completed for all P3 Non OR Recovery nurses and confirmed competencies to assist, monitor and evaluate patient pre, intra, and post procedure. An email group was created to ensure effective communication between teams. An audit tool was established to monitor compliance and to report monthly to the institutional quality board. <h3>Statement of Successful Practice</h3> The transition of Low-Dose Ketamine Infusion from the Chronic Pain Clinic to the Non-OR procedural area and recovery was completed successfully in September 2019. Chart audits of all patients from December 2019 to August 2020 shows 100% compliance in following institutional policy and nursing standard of practice. <h3>Implications for Advancing the Practice of Perianesthesia Nursing</h3> This project demonstrated the success of interdisciplinary collaboration in transitioning care from outpatient to the perioperative setting. Appropriate education, guidance, and resources enable PACU nurses to assume new roles and to provide safe patient-centered care in the perioperative setting.

Design and evaluation of an interprofessional education workshop series for preclinical and prelicensure health professional students

BackgroundThere are a variety of designs and implementation strategies reported for interprofessional education (IPE); however, most of these descriptions lack robust evaluations of interprofessional (IP) outcomes. Interprofessional education activityAn IPE Workshop Series was implemented for preclinical and prelicensure students in eight health professions, consisting of four sessions: health professionals' roles and responsibilities (1A); introduction to patient safety (1B); IP diabetes management (2A); and IP pain management in the opioid epidemic (2B). For Workshops 2A and 2B, student perceptions of IPE were measured using the validated Students Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education Revised Version 2 and IP team care plans were assessed with a rubric. Five hundred twenty-seven students attended all four workshops and completed all surveys. Student perceptions of IPE and collaboration were significantly increased after completing the IPE Workshop Series. Most teams met or exceeded expectations on the diabetes team care plans for collaboration, addressing patient concerns, and gaps in care; however, most teams needed improvement on addressing additional workup and management. The pain management team care plans were below expectations for most teams. DiscussionStudent perceptions of IP collaboration increased and were maintained longitudinally indicating a positive impact on this IPE outcome; however, performance on team care plans did not meet faculty expectations suggesting areas for improvement in the design and evaluation for this outcome. ImplicationsThese findings reinforce the importance of evaluation to ensure IPE curricula are achieving IP outcomes, notably, utilizing validated instruments and incorporating faculty assessments that are appropriately leveled for learners.

Chaplaincy: Spiritual Care as an Integral Part of the Pain Management Team

The inclusion of a professional chaplain as part of the interdisciplinary medical team can enhance the team's understanding of a patient's reaction to their medical condition. Contrary to the typically accepted belief on the part of medical professionals as well as the patients themselves, the role and function of the chaplain is not limited to providing prayer for patients in crisis. Even as a chaplain's ability to provide therapeutic prayer is helpful for patients who value prayer as an important part of their spiritual or religious life, chaplains also have the training and skill to explore with the patient how a patient's religious and/or spiritual beliefs can affect their response to treatment, which can include the management of pain. Studies have shown an existential crisis brought on by a serious diagnosis or medical crisis can often be experienced through the framework of a foundational religious or spiritual belief. A chaplain's training in deep listening, reflective questions, and use of self, allows for a patient to explore their beliefs in a way that permits the patient to experience wholeness of self while undergoing medical treatment. It has been found that patients who feel supported in their existential pain often feel more in control of their physical pain.

Opioid Prescribing and Opioid Risk Mitigation Strategies in the Veterans Health Administration.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has taken a multifaceted approach to addressing opioid safety and promoting system-wide opioid stewardship. To provide a comprehensive evaluation of current opioid prescribing practices and implementation of risk mitigation strategies in VHA. VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. VHA prescribing data in conjunction with implementation of opioid risk mitigation strategies are routinely tracked and reviewed by VHA's Pharmacy Benefits Management Services (including Academic Detailing Service) and the Pain Management Program Office. Additional data are derived from the Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center (PEPReC) and from a 2019 survey of interdisciplinary pain management teams at VHA facilities. Prescribing data are reported quarterly until first quarter fiscal year 2020 (Q1FY2020), ending December 31, 2019. VHA opioid dispensing peaked in 2012 with 679,376 Veterans receiving an opioid prescription, and when including tramadol, in 2013 with 869,956 Veterans. Since 2012, the number of Veterans dispensed an opioid decreased 56% and co-prescribed opioid/benzodiazepine decreased 83%. Veterans with high-dose opioids (≥ 100 mg morphine equivalent daily dose) decreased 77%. In Q1FY2020, among Veterans on long-term opioid therapy (LTOT), 91.1% had written informed consent, 90.8% had a urine drug screen, and 89.0% had a prescription drug monitoring program query. Naloxone was issued to 217,469 Veterans and resulted in > 1,000 documented overdose reversals. In 2019, interdisciplinary pain management teams were fully designated at 68%, partially designated at 28%, and not available at 4% of 140 VA parent facilities. Fifty percent of Veterans on opioids at very high risk for overdose/suicide received interdisciplinary team reviews. VHA clinicians have greatly reduced their volume of opioid prescribing for pain management and expanded implementation of opioid risk mitigation strategies. VHA's integrated health care system provides a model for opioid stewardship and interdisciplinary pain care.

An evaluation of cancer patients' opinions about use of opioid analgesics and the role of clinical pharmacist in patient education in Turkey.

Background Patients' potential misconceptions and concerns about using opioids are among the primary causes of patient-related barriers that may lead to failure in pain management. These barriers can be eliminated through educational interventions, thus achieving better pain management. Objective The aim of this study was to assess patients' beliefs about opioids, reduce the impact of patient-related barriers through educational intervention by a clinical pharmacist, and improve patients' adherence to opioid analgesic treatment. Setting The study was conducted in the Hacettepe University Training and Research Oncology Hospital, Department of Algology in Ankara, Turkey. Method A prospective study conducted between September, 2018 and May, 2019. Patients were included who had been diagnosed with cancer, had been prescribed opioid analgesics, and who attended the pain unit during the period this study was conducted. Patients' beliefs about opioids were assessed using the Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ) right before and 1 month after an educational intervention was provided by a clinical pharmacist. Also, patients' adherence to the opioid regimen was assessed using a validated Self-Report Measure of Adherence questions in Turkish. Main outcome measure The mean scores of the BMQ Necessity Subscale and Concern Subscale, and a level of adherence to opioid treatment. Results Sixty patients who met the inclusion criteria were included and follow-up was completed with 38 patients. Although an increase was detected in the total score of the Necessity subscale after provision of education (p = 0.398), a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease was found in the total score of the 'Concern' subscale, which suggests that patients believe the benefits of opioids outweigh the risks. The patients' pain scores were decreased (p = 0.004); furthermore a significant increase was found in the adherence scores (3.16-3.55) (p = 0.027), and a high level of adherence was observed among the patients in the post-education assessment (p = 0.021). Conclusion The integration of a clinical pharmacist into the pain management team may have a positive impact on the patients' knowledge, concerns and misconceptions about opioids, which may improve adherence and effective pain management in cancer treatment.

Оценка эффективности и безопасности трамадола и морфина в низких дозах при купировании боли у детей после проведения химиотерапии и трансплантации гемопоэтических стволовых клеток

A sufficient subgroup of patients encounters pain syndrome in the course of cytostatic chemotherapy (ChT), either with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Over this time period, severe thrombocytopenia and leucopenia may develop, thus limiting the opportunities for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). As recommended by WHO, administration of strong opioids to children is possible in moderate pain and inefficiency of NSAIDs. In this case, second step of the pain relief ladder is absent, i.e., codeine application. However, the recommendations do not exclude usage of tramadol, which is widely applied in pediatrics. Our aim was to evaluate relative safety and efficiency of tramadol and morphine in managment of moderate pain in children after HSCT and ChT. Patients and methods The study included analysis of 159 children admitted to the ICU pain management team with complaints for weak or moderate pain (form 3 to 6 points on an age-matched scale). The age of patients was from 1 to 17 years, with a median of 8 years old. All the patients did not receive opioids (were opioid naïve) within 30 days before inclusion to the study. The drugs were injected by continuous infusion at the inpatient clinic. In the first group (n=118), standard tramadol doses were administered as the 1st-line therapy (0.2 to 0.3 mg/kg/h). The patients form 2nd group (n=41) were administered low-dose morphine (0.01 to 0.019 mg/kg/h). Treatment efficiency was assessed by FLACC verbal scores, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, or visual analogue scale and quality of life. Statistical evaluation was performed by means of SPSS software, using a nonparametric Chi-square criterion. Results When administered tramadol as a first-line therapy, it was efficient in ca. 40.7% of cases (n=48). With low-dose morphine, the response rate proved to be 58.5% (n=24). One patient (0.8%) received tramadol when transferred to other institution. The second-line therapy (strong opioids) was administered due to lack of efficiency, or poor drug acceptability during the first-line treatment. It was observed in 53.4% of group 1 (n=63), and in 39% (n=16) of morphine-treated patients (group 2). Side effects due to tramadol administration were observed in 5.1% of cases (n=6). When administered low-dose morphine, only 1 female patient (2.4%) developed intestinal paresis which resolved after the therapy cancellation. Upon statistical evaluation, no significant differences were revealed between the groups. Conclusion Both medical drugs have shown similar efficiency and safety when applied for jugulating weak or moderate nociceptive pain after cytostatic chemotherapy and HSCT in pediatric patients.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improve Pain Management and Satisfaction in a Trauma Population.

An adult trauma center identified pain management as a potential area for improvement. Pain management is at the height of discussion in medical centers across the United States. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and System (HCAHPS) scores relating to pain management were consistently low (<5th percentile). This project was designed to use a collaborative and systematic approach to pain management to improve HCAHPS pain management scores. This is an evaluation of a quality improvement project using a before-and-after design with historical control. Using HCAHPS data to evaluate patients' pain management perceptions, an integrative three-pronged approach was developed and implemented: (1) development of a trauma nurse leadership program, (2) collaboration with pain management providers, and (3) modifications made to the trauma admission order set. Trauma nurse leaders educated patients and families regarding pain management goals and expectations utilizing a standardized script. HCAHPS survey data obtained before and after the intervention showed a significant improvement in patient satisfaction. HCAHPS scores on the three pain questions prior to intervention in Quarters 2 and 3 (Q2-3) 2017 had a mean of less than the 5th percentile. After intervention, HCAHPS scores on the three pain questions improved to a mean of more than the 60th percentile on Q4 2018. Implementation of a pain management strategy involving a three-pronged approach of a dedicated trauma nurse leadership program, collaboration with a pain management team, and evaluation and modification of a trauma admission order set was associated with an improvement in communication about pain with the trauma patients and HCAHPS pain satisfaction scores.

Barriers and Solutions for Improving Pain Management Practices in Acute Hospital Settings: Perspectives of Healthcare Practitioners for a Pain-Free Hospital Initiative.

BackgroundEffective pain management is a fundamental human right. However, global disparities in pain management practices exist across health settings. This study explored healthcare practitioners’ views on pain management in the acute care hospital setting.MethodsThe focus groups included clinical specialties most likely to encounter patients with ‘difficult to manage pain’, namely those in the Geriatrics and Palliative Care Unit (2 doctors and 3 nurses), Critical Care Unit (7 doctors), and the Pain Management Team (3 doctors and 2 nurses). The transcripts were analyzed using a qualitative thematic analysis. ResultsThe data analysis revealed four themes. Theme 1, ‘Being too safe’ described the presence of apprehensive attitudes among patients and healthcare practitioners that limits the appropriate use of diverse and tailored pain medications in acute care hospital settings. Theme 2, ‘Working as a team’ described the need for collaborative approaches to achieve hospital-wide evidence-based pain management. Theme 3, ‘Adaptation for local and cultural preferences’ explored how pain was perceived through cultural lenses and suggested strategies to tailor pain management to local and cultural preferences. Finally, Theme 4, ‘Driving acute pain management forward’ listed clinician solutions for improving pain management in acute care hospital settings toward a pain-free hospital initiative. ConclusionDespite advances in pain medicine and pain teaching strategies, effective pain management is proportionate to both clinical and cultural preferences. Future studies should investigate the standardization of global pain management tools and guidelines to fit the local culture and context.

Evaluation of pharmacist interventions as part of a multidisciplinary cancer pain management team in a Chinese academic medical center

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate pharmacist interventions in the cancer pain management of hospitalized patients, focusing on a clinically meaningful change in drug-related problems and pain score. MethodsA retrospective data analysis was performed at a single academic comprehensive cancer center. Hospitalized patients with moderate to severe pain who had already received analgesic medication for at least 3 consecutive days were included. For patients who met the criteria for admission, a pharmacist followed up daily during hospitalization and evaluated the patient during pre- (first) and postintervention (second, third, and fourth) visits. Medication problems, medication changes, and changes in pain scores were assessed. ResultsA total of 195 patients were included in the study. The pharmacist identified 12 types of pharmacotherapeutic drug–related problems. The top 3 problems were nonadherence or missed doses (27.69%), inappropriate opioid selection (22.56%), and inappropriate dosage (16.41%). After the intervention of pharmacists, these drug-related problems decreased by 74.54% on average. Across all visits, the changes in pain scores (mean ± SD: 2.80 ± 1.92 vs. 1.90 ± 1.58, P < 0.05) and the number of patients with mild (172 vs. 128, P < 0.05), moderate (58 vs. 21, P < 0.05), and severe pain (9 vs. 2, P < 0.05) indicated a marked decrease in patients’ pain levels after the inclusion of pharmacist in the cancer pain multidisciplinary management team (CPMMT). ConclusionParticipation by the pharmacist in the CPMMT led to a marked reduction in most of the drug-related problems and a statistically significant change in pain score during the 4 visits, indicating that pharmacists play an active role in CPMMT.

P28 Do we meet the needs of patients with non-inflammatory conditions referred to paediatric rheumatology?

Poster presentation Tuesday 8 October Background Over one in four children and young people (CYP) present to paediatric rheumatology services with non-inflammatory conditions. However, there is a lack of evidence-based treatments and clinical guidelines supporting the management of these patients. Our project aims to determine whether CYP diagnosed with different non-inflammatory conditions and their families are satisfied with the service offered by the paediatric rheumatology department at Leeds General Infirmary. In addition, we wanted to assess which interventions they found most helpful and to check if there were differences between children and young people diagnosed with different non-inflammatory conditions. Methods 632 patients seen by Leeds paediatric rheumatology between July 2017 and June 2018 were diagnosed with non-inflammatory conditions; the three most common groups of conditions were symptomatic hypermobility (SH), chronic pain syndrome (CPS) and muscular back pain (MBP). We undertook a patient satisfaction survey, including patients reported assessment of their physical and psycho-social outcomes, focussing on these three groups only. 198 participants (80 SH; 74 CPS; 44 MBP) were invited to the study by sending them a postal questionnaire with self-addressed and stamped envelopes to return them. The questionnaire did not include any identifiable patient information but a different coloured paper was sent to patients with the three different groups of diagnoses to allow comparison of these groups. All had attended the paediatric rheumatology clinic for their initial assessment and had been referred on to appropriate management services as for the treating clinician including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry/orthotics, pain management, and/or psychology. Results A total of 33 filled questionnaires were received over the next 2 months including 4 (9.09%) from patients diagnosed with MBP, 11 (13.75%) from patients diagnosed with SH and 18 (24.32%) from patients diagnosed with CPS. Mann-Whitney-U calculations were performed to compare groups. The CPS patient group derived less benefit from physical therapies compared with non-CPS patients (U = 35.5, p = 0.0251) and that their reported mental health is worse than non-CPS patients (U = 31.5, p = 0.034). Within the CPS group, patients benefitted more from occupational therapy (U = 13.5, p = 0.01242) and pain management clinic (U = 9.5, p = 0.0226) than podiatry/orthotics services. When asked to rate their overall satisfaction out of 10, the median scores for the SH and MBP groups were 9 and 10 respectively, the median score for the CPS group was 5. Conclusion Our data would suggest that patients suffering with CPS would benefit from a more holistic approach including referrals to a psychologist, occupational therapy and the pain management team. The CPS group seemed most dissatisfied with the services provided by the clinic. The results of the project were fed back to the clinical team and we hope to repeat the survey in future after potential changes suggested by the survey have been implemented. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Society for Acupuncture Research 2019: Putting the Whole Acupuncturist Back Together Again-To Set Them to Work!

Society for Acupuncture Research 2019: Putting the Whole Acupuncturist Back Together Again-To Set Them to Work!

Multidisciplinary pain management program for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in Japan: a cohort study.

IntroductionMultidisciplinary pain management is a useful method for treating chronic musculoskeletal pain. Currently, few facilities in Japan offer multidisciplinary pain treatment, especially in the inpatient setting. We implemented a multidisciplinary pain management program based on International Association for the Study of Pain recommendations. This study described our initial efforts in implementing the program, and reported 3- and 6-month follow-up results.Materials and methodsOur pain management team included orthopedic surgeons, psychiatrists, nurses, physical therapists, clinical psychologists, pharmacists, and nutritionists. The 3-week inpatient pain management program comprised exercise therapy, psychotherapy, and patient education. We evaluated patients using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Pain Disability-Assessment Scale (PDAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D), and physical examinations (flexibility, muscle endurance, walking ability, and physical fitness). Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank sum tests with Bonferroni correction after the Friedman test.ResultsData for 23 patients were analyzed before and immediately after the program. Statistically significant improvements were seen in BPI, PCS, PDAS, HADS, PSEQ, EQ-5D, flexibility, muscle endurance, walking ability, and physical fitness. Eight patients were also assessed 3 and 6 months after the program. PCS (rumination and helplessness) scores and flexibility showed significant improvement at 3 and 6 months. Significant improvement was seen in PDAS and HADS (anxiety) scores and muscle endurance at 6 months, and in PSEQ scores immediately and at 3 and 6 months.ConclusionOur inpatient pain management program can improve patients’ physical function and ability to cope with chronic musculoskeletal pain, which supports improved quality of life. Our program is currently being expanded to better assist patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

QIM19-116: Barriers and Trends in Cancer Patients’ referrals to Pain Management in Qatar: A Randomized Cohort Prospective Study

Background: Studies showed that 40%–50% of patients with cancer pain receive insufficient analgesia due to different factors (Beyeler et al, Support Care Cancer 2008; Salminen et al, Support Cancer Care 2008), beside the challenges to accurately assess pain, which might affect drug selection and pain control (Stewart, Ulster Med J 2014). In NCCCR, the treating primary physicians (PP) may prescribe analgesics to their patients or refer them to the Pain Management Team (PMT), based on evaluation or as requested by patients. This study will address the clinical concerns of PP, which may lead to refer the patients to PMT, moreover the clinical judgement of PMT on the referred cases whether they need to be refereed or not. Objectives: To determine the efficiency of the referral pathway to the pain clinic by PMT. Methods: PMT is going to assess the referred patient to their clinics according to pain assessment methods. Patients will be evaluated whether they have been appropriately referred or not, any unnecessary referral will be documented based on the following;• If the patient was referred by hematologist or oncologist• If the patient required specialized treatment• If the patient required urgent treatment/prescription or advanced pain management techniques• If the patient required further consultation by pain management• If the patient could be managed by PP Results: 195 patients were newly referred to the pain clinic during the period from March 8, 2018 to August 31, 2018. 12% (23/195) were deemed as unnecessary referrals based on PMT assessment; 43% (10/23) of them were hematology patients, while 57% (13/23) were oncology. The majority was for breast cancer and sickle cell disease patients with 35% for each. According to the PMT assessment, 61% (14/23) patients (95% CI, 40.79%–77.84%) considered unnecessary referrals due to improper basic pain assessment and management by PP, while 30% (7/23) patients (95%CI, 15.60%–50.87%) asked for refill medications. Conclusion: There is 12% unnecessary referrals to PMT, which need further improvement in the referral pathway, via the development of a definite referral criteria to PMT. PP should be encouraged to provide basic pain treatment and to consider multidisciplinary management with appropriate coordination for better improvements in patients’ quality of life.

A survey of perceptions, attitudes, knowledge and practices of medical oncologists about cancer pain management in Spain.

To monitor oncologists' perspective on cancer pain management. An anonymized survey was conducted in two waves. First, over a convenience sample of oncologists known to be particularly concerned with the management of pain. Second, using a random sample of oncologists. In total, 73 and 82 oncologists participated in the first and second wave, respectively. Many oncologists reported to have good knowledge of analgesic drugs (95.9%), the mechanism of action of opioids (79.5%), and good skills to manage opioid-related bowel dysfunction (76.7%). Appropriate adjustment of background medication to manage breakthrough pain was reported by 95.5% of oncologists. Additionally, 87.7% (68.3% in the second wave, p=0.035) of oncologists reported suitable opioid titration practices, and 90.4% reported to use co-adjuvant medications for neuropathic pain confidently. On the other hand, just 9.6% of oncologists participated in multidisciplinary pain management teams, and merely 30.3 and 27.1% reported to routinely collaborate with the Pain Clinics or involve other staff, respectively. Only 26.4% of the oncologists of the second wave gave priority to pain pathophysiology to decide therapies, and up to 75.6% reported difficulties in treating neuropathic pain. Significantly less oncologists of the second wave (82.9 vs. 94.5%, p=0.001) used opioid rotation routinely. Unlike in previous surveys, medical oncologists reported in general good knowledge and few perceived limitations and barriers for pain management. However, multi-disciplinary management and collaboration with other specialists are still uncommon. Oncologists' commitment to optimize pain management seems important to improve and maintain good practices.

Chronic pain medication management of older populations: Key points from a national conference and innovative opportunities for pharmacy practice.

Inappropriate use of pain medication has serious consequences for older populations. Experts in the field have noted an increase in opioid prescriptions, and opioid-related hospitalisations and deaths among this vulnerable population. In the pursuit of educating pharmacists, physicians, allied healthcare professionals, researchers, academics and the public facing the challenges of chronic pain medication management, 'The Inaugural Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (SPHPM) Best Practice in Chronic Pain Medication Management Day Conference' was held in December 2016 at the Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (Melbourne, Australia). Fifteen experts presented on aspects of chronic pain epidemiology and current analgesic use in older Australians, and discussed current practice and associated challenges. Presenters highlighted the dramatic increase in opioid prescribing, development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, problems with abuse and addiction, increased risk of death from overdose or suicide, potentiation of sedative effects with concurrent use of anxiolytics/hypnotics, and medication diversion. Pharmacists are very accessible to patients and are crucial members of medication management teams. They have the necessary medication expertise to review medication regimens and provide patient education. Towards addressing chronic pain medication management of older populations, pharmacists can contribute in several ways, such as being aware of relevant guidelines and completing further training, contributing to policy and guideline development, participating in multidisciplinary panels, working groups and pain management teams, collaborating on research projects, and educating the community. With regards to opioid medication management, pharmacists are in an ideal position to: monitor prescription dispensing and potential misuse, provide education about overuse, and, if appropriate, provide access to naloxone. In order to fulfil these roles and responsibilities, allied healthcare professionals should be educated and informed, and opportunities for continuing professional education should be available and utilised. Pharmacists should have the necessary knowledge and skills to optimise chronic pain management, and to both deliver and inform policies and guidelines on pharmacological management of chronic pain in older people.

Patient\u2019s experiences with the care for juvenile idiopathic arthritis across Europe

BackgroundTo assess the views of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients and their parents on the care and treatment they receive in referral pediatric rheumatology centers throughout Europe.MethodsIn a collaboration between physicians and patient associations, a questionnaire was developed, covering various domains of JIA care, including demographics, diagnosis, referrals to various health care professionals, access to pain and fatigue management and support groups, information they received about the disease and awareness of and participation in research. The questionnaire was translated and distributed by parent associations and pediatric rheumatologists in 25 countries, 22 of which were European. After completion the replies were entered on the PRINTO website. Replies could either be entered directly by parents on the website or on paper. In these cases, the replies were scanned and emailed by local hospital staff to Utrecht where they were entered by I.R. in the database.ResultsThe survey was completed by 622 parents in 23 countries. The majority (66.7%) of patients were female, with median age 10–11 years at the completion of the questionnaire. Frequencies of self-reported JIA categories corresponded to literature. Some patients had never been referred to the ophthalmologist (22.8%) or physiotherapist (31.7%). Low rates of referral or access to fatigue (3.5%) or pain management teams (10.0%), age appropriate disease education (11.3%), special rehabilitation (13.7%) and support groups (20.1%) were observed. Many patients indicated they did not have contact details for urgent advice (35.9%) and did not receive information about immunizations (43.2%), research (55.6%) existence of transition of care clinics (89,2%) or financial support (89.7%). While on immunosuppressive drugs, about one half of patients did not receive information about immunizations, travelling, possible infections or how to deal with chickenpox or shingles.ConclusionsLow rates of referral to health care professionals may be due to children whose illness is well managed and who do not need additional support or information. Improvements are needed, especially in the areas of supportive care and information patients receive. It is also important to improve doctor patient communication between visits. Physicians can be instrumental in the setting up of support groups and increasing patients’ awareness of existing support. Suggestions are given to convey crucial pieces of information structurally and repeatedly to ensure, among other things, compliance.

Intrathecal pain management: a team-based approach.

ObjectivePhysician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and registered nurses (RNs) provide professional services on pain management teams. This review provides an overview of the practical management of chronic pain with intrathecal (IT) therapy using an interprofessional approach (eg, physicians and other health care professionals), with a focus on the contributions of PAs, NPs, and RNs.MethodsNarrative review based on literature searches of the Medline database and treatment guidelines on the use of IT therapy in the management of patients with chronic pain.ResultsThe specific roles and responsibilities of PAs, NPs, and RNs in the management of patients receiving IT therapy vary by practice. In many pain treatment centers, PAs, NPs, and RNs are responsible for patient education, postimplant maintenance, and ongoing supportive care of patients receiving IT therapy. Topics that we address include patient selection, patient expectations and goal setting, medication selection, outcome assessment, and treatment adjustment. Currently, morphine and ziconotide (a nonopioid, selective N-type calcium channel blocker) are the only agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for IT analgesia. We provide relevant information on the dosing, titration, and adverse effect management of these medications for PAs, NPs, and RNs responsible for administering IT therapy.ConclusionPAs, NPs, and RNs are valuable members of IT pain management teams. Treatment success requires ongoing monitoring of efficacy and adverse effects, with corresponding adjustments to medication selection and dosing, in addition to good communication among the health care professionals involved in patient care.