Complex Cancer Pain Assessment

Abstract

Pain is widespread, multidimensional, and one of the most distressing symptoms patients with cancer face. Pain assessment is the foundation to optimal pain management. Despite evidence-based practice guidelines, inadequate pain assessment is a barrier. Patients should be routinely screened for pain at each encounter. If new, worsening, or persistent pain is present, a comprehensive pain assessment and reassessment should be regularly performed and documented to communicate the pain problem. Patient self-report of pain is the gold standard even in those who are nonverbal or cognitively impaired. Clinicians should follow the Hierarchy of Pain Assessment Framework to guide pain assessment approaches.

Keywords: Barriers; Breakthrough pain; Cancer pain; Pain assessment; Pain behaviors; Pain syndromes.