The following is the summary of “Effect of Remote-Based Monitoring and Education Program on Cancer Pain Management in an Outpatient Pain Clinic” published in the December 2022 issue of Pain Management by Obaid, et al.

A number of factors may impede optimal pain treatment cause them severe pain. Optimal pain treatment may be impeded by a number of factors. Determine how well patients with cancer manage their pain, the obstacles they face, and how well they adhere to their prescribed pain medication after participating in a remote monitoring and education program. Procedures A total of 134 patients were split evenly between a “intervention” group and a “control” group. Around 3 telephone sessions were provided for the intervention group. Both groups filled out questionnaires at the start and end of the study.

 There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of current pain intensity (p =.030), lowest pain intensity (P=.016), and percentage of pain relief (P=.048). Furthermore, post-intervention, the intervention group reported significantly less disruption to their regular activities (P=<.001), mood (P=.011), and work (P=.004). Mean differences on the Attitudinal Barriers scale were statistically significant (P=<.001),   and the subscales of physiological effects (P=<.001), fatalism (P=<.001), communication (P=<.001), harmful effects (P=<.001).  

Adherence was higher among intervention group participants (p= .001). The outcomes of pain management, patient adherence, and quality of life for cancer patients can all be enhanced with the use of remote monitoring and education programs. There is a need for more study into the effectiveness and longevity of the various pedagogical approaches now in use.

Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1524904222001072