An audit of pain management in cancer patients at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital

Damson, Carolyn; Dias, Peter; Mwale, Gillian

An audit of pain management in cancer patients at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital

Date

2021-03-17

Authors

Damson, Carolyn

Dias, Peter

Mwale, Gillian

Publisher

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Pain can be a debilitating symptom and should be assessed and managed with the gravity it deserves. If not properly managed, it severely impacts quality of life. Many studies however, have shown that globally, most patients have uncontrolled pain despite the policies and guidelines that have been put in place to approach it. Pain is especially common in cancer patients with each patient having a unique experience, thus necessitating an individualized approach in management. Objectives: To conduct a survey of pain management in cancer patients admitted to different wards at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Specific objectives: 1. To assess the type of pain among cancer patients 2. To measure the severity of pain experienced by cancer patients 3. To assess type of prescribed analgesia for cancer patients 4. To assess the prevalence of controlled pain among cancer patients Methodology: The survey will be a quantitative method study with a cross sectional study design. It will be carried out over 6 weeks. Both primary and secondary data will be collected from 73 participants using interviewer administered questionnaires, participant’s health files and drug charts. Expected results: Given that QECH is a tertiary institution with different specialties and many expertly trained health personnel, there should be quality management of pain. However, Malawi is one of the most economically challenged countries and so has limited resources and a high doctor to patient ratio of 1:33,000 [1]. Doctors may then be pressured to rush through the proper assessment methods and use of standard tools that guide the analgesia prescription. Scarcity of resources may also prompt them to prescribe the next best analgesia instead of the recommended one. Therefore, we expect a high percentage of patients with mismanaged pain. Dissemination: The findings of our audit will be presented orally at the College of Medicine Year 4 research dissemination sessions.