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Cancer pain assessment--can we predict the need for specialist input?
Robin L Fainsinger1, Cheryl L Nekolaichuk
1Division of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Grey Nuns Hospital, 217-Health Services Centre, 1090 Youville Drive West, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Robin.Fainsinger@capitalhealth.ca
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|March 25, 2008
Summary
Inadequate cancer pain assessment leads to poor pain management. The Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain aids clinicians in identifying complex cases needing specialist input.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pain Management
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Inadequate cancer pain assessment often results in suboptimal pain management strategies.
- Current practices may not adequately address factors complicating pain control or indicating a poor prognosis.
- A standardized approach is needed for comprehensive cancer pain evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the limitations of simplistic pain assessment questions.
- To introduce a structured system for multidimensional cancer pain assessment.
- To facilitate early identification of patients requiring specialist consultation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on cancer pain assessment dating back to the late 1980s.
- Development and validation of the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain.
- Incorporation of prognostic factors for complex pain management into a classification system.
Main Results:
- The Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain provides a framework for multidimensional assessment.
- The system incorporates key factors influencing cancer pain complexity and prognosis.
- It assists clinicians in anticipating the need for specialist advice in managing cancer pain.
Conclusions:
- Effective cancer pain management relies on thorough and multidimensional assessment.
- The Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain offers a standardized tool for clinical practice and research.
- Utilizing this system can improve the quality of care for cancer patients experiencing pain.
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