Barriers to effective cancer pain management
Articles > Review ยท 2006
Authors: Yasemin YILDIRIM, Meltem UYAR
AGRI-THE JOURNAL OF THE TURKISH SOCIETY OF ALGOLOGY, Journal Indexed in SCI Expanded, International, 2006, vol 18, pp 12-19
Summary
Pain is one of the most feared consequences of cancer experienced by patients. Despite numerious education programs, intervention strategies and multidiciplinary pain societies, approximately 60% of patients with cancer are experiencing pain. Cancer-related pain may affect patient's life in every way, and therefore it has a great influence on the overall quality of life. Barriers to adequate pain management exist, including those related to health-care professionals, the health-care system, and the patients. The most common barriers to pain management include knowledge deficits, misconceptions about opioids and their side effects, inadequate assessment, and organizational issues. The purpose of this article is to provide information about barriers to effective cancer pain management.