Feasibility and acceptability of “LiCPain” pilot randomised controlled trial of continuous subcutaneous infusion of lidocaine or placebo for people with neuropathic cancer pain: a qualitative study of patient and carer perceptions and experiences

Optimal intervention and clinical trial designs require consumer contributions. The experience of people with advanced cancer and palliative care needs in neuropathic pain trials is seldom reported. This exploratory descriptive qualitative sub-study aimed to understand the experience of patients and carers participating in the Lidocaine for Neuropathic Cancer Pain (LiCPain) study, a pilot randomised controlled trial of continuous subcutaneous infusion of lidocaine hydrochloride or placebo over 72 h in people with unrelieved neuropathic cancer pain. All participants enrolled in the trial, conducted at five Australian palliative care inpatient sites, were intended to be invited to participate at the time of consenting to the main study. Reasons for not being invited, consenting to or completing the interview sub-study were not collected. A single face-to-face or telephone interview was audio recorded by the site study team nurses or doctors using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed following Braun and Clarke thematic analysis approach. Out of 17 participants randomised to the LiCPain trial, seven participants and one carer consented to participate in the qualitative sub-study. Three major themes were identified: • Trial participation offered a sense of hope and purpose; • The impact of the intervention has multiple contributing factors; and • Pain impacts every aspect of life. Participants found hope and purpose in the Lidocaine for Neuropathic Cancer Pain trial. Contextual factors influenced perceived effectiveness. These findings will inform future intervention designs and clinical trials to improve outcomes for people experiencing unrelieved neuropathic cancer pain. This trial was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617000747325) on 22nd May 2017.