Cancer pain knowledge in Southern Italy: data from a postgraduate refresher course

A survey of Italian physicians was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs on cancer pain. Physicians attending a refresher course on cancer pain and symptom relief were given a questionnaire composed of 28 questions before starting the lectures. The physicians represented the different centers treating cancer pain, or were going to deal with cancer pain, and were from all the provinces of Sicily, a southern region of Italy. Insufficient knowledge and education of the physicians regarding the management of cancer pain was evidenced. Limited experience may be the principal reason. Most participants had difficulties in prescribing opioids (23%). Analgesics were frequently administered intramuscularly (46%), although the oral route was suggested by 86% of the physicians as the route of choice for opioids. Opioids were used in more than 75% of the patients by only 33% of the physicians. Opioid treatment was considered effective in more than 75% of the patients by only 63% of the physicians. An arbitrary maximum dose of opioids was reported by 35% of the respondents. Opioid spinal administration was mainly considered the most effective route, the first-choice route to start opioid therapy by 4% of the physicians, and the alternative route to the oral one in 29% of cases. Nausea and vomiting, and tolerance were considered the principal problem during opioid therapy. Antidepressants were the most common adjuvants associated with opioid therapy, and laxatives and antiemetics were frequently used to limit the side effects. Incident pain was rarely reported as a challenging pain syndrome. Examples of cancer pain syndromes were mainly reported correctly, although some definitions were disputable. Inadequate knowledge about cancer pain management limits appropriate treatment. Greater efforts should be made to improve medical education.