Evidence Based Pain Management Literature Review

Discussion Pain is a major concern among most patients with cancer and pain management is an integral component in the inclusive management of cancer. Screening, assessment, treatments, and follow-ups are all part of evidence-based management, and overall patient outcome and satisfaction are realized (Sheung-Tak et al. 2017). Screening entails verifying the presence of pain while assessment determines the intensity. Etiology and functional impairment are all aspects that are emphasized by various institutions dealing with cancer. Consequently, existing literature on evidence-based pain management highlights the importance of pain education to both the patients and the caregivers. While opioids have highly been recommended in pain management …show more content…
Cancer patients with chronic pain can be placed under a follow-up program to ensure that the quality of care is improved, and the patients accept the pain control interventions (Sheung-Tak et al. 2017). Follow-ups may entail a range of interventions including changing the drug class, altering the modality of administration or dose adjustments. Other interventions may include additional drugs, radiotherapy or nerve blocks. Cancer patients experiencing metastatic bone pain are typically managed through radiation therapy lest contraindicated. Consequently, patients with cord firmness may be controlled using steroids and are to be assessed over twenty-four hours of commencement of symptoms (Sheung-Tak et al. 2017). The subsequent treatment entails the definitive treatment which may either be surgical decompression or radiotherapy and habitually takes place over the next 24 …show more content…
Nevertheless, there are guidelines on many areas in hospice pain management but the major challenge that arises is that of the actual methods of incorporating the guidelines into practice, and this needs further research. There is a big gap regarding evidence on pain management which is attributed to the poor clinical documentation and follow up despite initial evaluation being appropriate in the hospice setting (Heintzelman et al. 2013). Research and literature for incorporating evidence from research into actual practice ought to be emphasized in the hospice setting. The prediction for the ideal timing to commence the palliative care services is deficient in evidence. The timing is habitually personalized on patient’s clinical performance and after a conversation with the patient. Subsequently, research still supports a number of methods in pain management, and they include opioids, radiotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These interventions are backed by literature and quality evidence in managing pain among the cancer patients. However, there is a deficit regarding evidence on for acupuncture techniques associated with palliative pain management (Heintzelman et al. 2013). The evidence is also lacking on pain management in patients with either dementia or heart