A Systematic Review of Health Care Interventions for Pain in Patients With Advanced Cancer. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martinez, Kathryn A.; Aslakson, Rebecca A.; Wilson, Renee F.; Apostol, Colleen C.; Fawole, Oluwakemi A.; Lau, Brandyn D.; Vollenweider, Daniela; Bass, Eric B.; Dy, Sydney M.
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 31:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: advanced cancer -- pain -- end of life -- health care interventions -- systematic review -- quality improvement; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909113476129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

Purpose: Poorly controlled pain is common in advanced cancer. The objective of this article was to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of pain-focused interventions in this population. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and DARE from 2000 through December 2011. We included prospective, controlled health care intervention studies in advanced cancer populations, focusing on pain. Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria; most focused on nurse-led patient-centered interventions. In all, 9 (47%) of the 19 studies found a significant effect on pain. The most common intervention type was patient/caregiver education, in 17 (89%) of 19 studies, 7 of which demonstrated a significant decrease in pain. Conclusions: We found moderate strength of evidence that pain in advanced cancer can be improved using health care interventions, particularly nurse-led patient-centered interventions.