Exploring the provision of services to support people with cancer-related pain

Galligan, Martin; Tanay, Mary; Armoogum, Julie; Cook, Jane; Chapman, Suzanne; Crighton, Rhea

Abstract

Background.
Cancer-related pain is the most reported symptom across all cancer types. Its impact on the person experiencing it is significant and reduces their quality of life. Cancer-related pain is complex, to ensure optimal management, it requires specialist support from the multi-disciplinary team.
Aim:
To map the current provision of these specialist services that focus on the management of cancer-related pain.
Method:
An online survey was developed by a team of specialists with expertise in cancer-related pain. The survey was circulated via social media platforms for a period of 4 weeks.
Results:
There were 63 survey responses from across England, with no responses from the other nations of the UK. 54.7% (n=35) services were multi-professional, the remaining services contain either one or two different professionals. 37% (n=23) did not accept referrals for those with late effects cancer pain and 20% (n=13) did not accept referrals for those undergoing palliative treatment. All respondents agreed more education and support is needed regarding cancer-related pain.
Conclusion:
The results of this survey indicate that the provision of cancer-related pain services across the UK is inconsistent. More work is needed to improve access to these services and healthcare professionals education of cancer-related pain.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 18, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 19, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 4, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 11, 2024
• Journal: Cancer Nursing Practice
• Print ISSN: 1475-4266
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-8933
• Publisher: RCN Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/cnp.2023.e1853
• Keywords: General Medicine
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11548960