Pharmacological approach for pain management in palliative care outpatient department of a South Goa district hospital

Abstract CONTEXT: Pain is a cardinal indicator of the quality of life. It is a subjective phenomenon and its objective evaluation is difficult in palliative care because of its complexity. Pain occurs in up to 70%–80% of patients with advanced cancer in India. Pharmacological management must be structured around the World Health Organization analgesic ladder. A request for assistance with pain management is a common reason for referral to palliative care physician specialists, who will respond to their urgent needs and improve their quality of life. AIMS: To study the diseases requiring pain management in palliative care outpatient department (OPD) To analyze the drugs administered for pain management and to assess the response to treatment using pain scales. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted in palliative care OPD of a South Goa district hospital after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committees. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An observational record-based retrospective study was conducted from January 2023 to May 2023. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were collected from the OPD records and analyzed using the descriptive statistics. Results were presented as counts and percentages. RESULTS: Among patients with malignancies, breast cancer (37%) was the most common type of malignancy requiring assistance with pain management. Morphine (20%) was the most frequently used drug for severe pain management in malignant diseases but more beneficial response was seen with fentanyl (76%). CONCLUSIONS: In palliative care, the primary goal of pain management is to enhance the quality of life for patients who are dealing with serious illnesses.