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Breakthrough pain: a qualitative study involving patients with advanced cancer
Katherine Webber1, Andrew N Davies, Martin R Cowie
1Royal Marsden NHS Hospitals Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK. k.webber@imperial.ac.uk
Context:
Breakthrough cancer pain is associated with a high burden of physical, psychological and social problems in quantitative studies. Individual experiences of living with breakthrough pain have not been studied.
Objectives:
This study aims to explore the individual experience of living with breakthrough cancer pain using a qualitative methodology.
Methods:
In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in ten patients with breakthrough cancer pain, and a qualitative content analysis was performed.
Results:
The overarching themes that emerged were daily living, communication with health care professionals and management of breakthrough pain.
Conclusions:
Recognising the impact of breakthrough pain and the issues expressed by patients regarding communication and medication gives the clinician a framework for assessment and intervention.
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Assessment:
Analgesia and Pain Management