Barriers to Cancer Pain Management with Opioids

The aims of the project were to analyze patient-related barriers to cancer pain management and to describe clinical rationale for the choice of administration form with fentanyl. To answer the research questions related to the first aim, a questionnaire survey among cancer patients from the Danish pain centres and pain clinics was conducted. Survey results showed that a psycho-emotional status of patients significantly explained pain intensity, while patients' attitudes towards the importance of pain management with opioids significantly explained pain relief. Thus, interventions in cancer patients' emotional distress and concerns could result in better pain management outcomes. To answer research questions related to the second aim, two Delphi surveys were conducted, among Danish pain specialists and pain nurses, respectively. The results of these studies showed the expectations regarding the use of Fentanyl-patches were met, however, expectations concerning the use of Fentanyl- lollipops were not met in terms of comfort and usability of this administration form for terminal pain patients.