A new study reveals oncologists are not effectively treating pain, according to findings published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
An anonymous survey showed oncologists rated their own specialty highly for the ability to manage cancer pain (seven on a 10-point scale) but rated their peers as more conservative (three). Oncologists rated the quality of pain management training during medical school and residency at a three and five respectively. They listed barriers to pain management as poor assessment (six), patient reluctance to take opioids (six), patient failure to report pain (six), physician reluctance to prescribe opioids (five) and excessive regulation (five).
The survey included two vignettes describing clinical scenarios. According to the researchers, 60 and 87 percent of oncologists recommended treatment decisions that would be considered unacceptable by pain specialists, such as an increase in opioid medication. Frequents referrals to pain or palliative care specialists were reported by only 14 and 16 percent of oncologists.
Related Articles on Pain Management:
Pieces of the Puzzle: Creating a Multidisciplinary Approach to Pain Management
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The survey included two vignettes describing clinical scenarios. According to the researchers, 60 and 87 percent of oncologists recommended treatment decisions that would be considered unacceptable by pain specialists, such as an increase in opioid medication. Frequents referrals to pain or palliative care specialists were reported by only 14 and 16 percent of oncologists.
Related Articles on Pain Management:
Pieces of the Puzzle: Creating a Multidisciplinary Approach to Pain Management
Anesthesiologist Compensation and Reimbursement in 2011: 10 Recent Findings
Spine Pain Management Adds to Leadership Team