Inadequate treatment practices for pain relief and adverse event management in cancer patients across 10 countries/regions in Asia: a call for greater efforts to improve standards for patient care

• DOI: 10.1111/ajco.12696
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03T07:58:00Z
• Authors: Kok Yuen Ho; Jin Seok Ahn; Maria Minerva Cal...; Ta‐Chung Chao; Yong‐Chul Kim; Hanlim Moon; Lye Mun Tho; Zhong‐Jun Xia; Dora You
• Keywords: Male; Asia; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; 0302 clinical medicine; Neoplasms; Surveys and Questionnaires; Quality of Life; Humans; Pain Management; Female

Abstract Aim To examine the treatment practices for cancer pain relief and adverse event management, factors related to patient outcomes in participating countries/regions. Methods The study was a cross‐sectional survey conducted between September December 2013 10 countries/regions across Asia. Adult patients with history of at least 1 month before entry completed questionnaire. Results A total 1190 were included. mean Box Scale‐11 (BS‐11) score 6.0 (SD 2.1), 86.2% experiencing moderate‐to‐severe 53.2% receiving opioids time survey. BS‐11 scores 5.3 2.1) “others” (single non‐opioid medication or untreated) group, 6.3 2.0) ≥2 non‐opioids group 6.7 1.9) opioid group. proportions 79.1%, 87.3% 93.7%, respectively. About 70% reported events due their medications, about half had received medications manage these symptoms. Adverse negatively associated activities daily living ( P < 0.0001). Pain hindrance employment status = 0.003 0.021). Unemployment significantly poorer quality life Conclusion This analysis demonstrates inadequate management treatment‐related cohort. patients’ overall well‐being. More collaborative efforts should be taken optimize increase awareness physicians.