Research prioritisation of clinical recommendations for cancer survivors living with chronic pain post cancer treatment

Armoogum, J; Llewellyn, A; Cramp, F; Berry, A; Harcourt, D; Foster, C; Mccabe, C

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic pain is a common side effect of cancer treatment and is frequently cited as a top concern and unmet need for cancer survivors with wide ranging impacts. To better support people with chronic pain as a long-term or late side effect of cancer and its treatment, a series of studies have been conducted in England, UK, to develop and prioritise clinical recommendations.
Methods: A qualitative evidence synthesis, interviews with 19 cancer survivors, a survey with 135 healthcare professionals, and stakeholder engagement events with six cancer survivors living with chronic pain and 14 healthcare professionals, were conducted to develop clinical recommendations to support those living with chronic pain after cancer treatment. These recommendations will be prioritised using nominal group technique (NGT) methodology in four online workshops, with 4-7 participants each, planned for spring 2025. Participants will include cancer survivors living with chronic pain plus relevant healthcare professionals and stakeholders. Participants will be sent the recommendations in advance and asked to rank these in order of research priority during the workshop using a four stage process: 1) ‘silent generation’ to consider the question, 2) a ‘round robin’ exercise providing opportunity for everyone to contribute an idea until all new ideas are exhausted, 3) ‘clarification’ to ensure everyone understands meanings and can make informed decisions, and 4) ‘ranking’ whereby each participant will rank the items from most important to least important.
Results: Clinical recommendations to be considered are summarised as: PAINS: Prepare and inform, Assess, acknowledge and listen, Increase healthcare professional knowledge, Name and diagnose, and Services and supported self-management interventions. Findings from the prioritisation workshops will be presented at the MASCC 2025 conference.
Conclusions: Implementing recommendations to support cancer survivors living with chronic pain is complex and challenging. Prioritising recommendations is essential to guide future research and implementation strategies.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)
• Start Date: Jun 26, 2025
• End Date: Jun 28, 2025
• Acceptance Date: Apr 4, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 11, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14556476