Differences in outcomes among patients experiencing different types of cancer-related pain

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To determine differences in pain characteristics, mood states, and quality of life (QOL) in outpatients with different types of cancer-related pain (i.e., somatic, visceral, or neuropathic) compared to outpatients who were pain-free.

Design: Descriptive, comparative.

Setting: Sixteen outpatient facilities that are part of the Oncology Nursing Research Network.

Sample: A convenience sample of 129 outpatients who experienced cancer-related pain and 169 pain-free patients, all of whom were actively being treated for cancer.

Methods: All patients completed a demographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale-Cancer, and the Profile of Mood States, Patients with pain completed a Cancer Pain Questionnaire and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Patients' medical records were reviewed.

Main research variables: Types of cancer-related pain (i.e., somatic visceral, or neuropathic), pain intensity, pain duration, quality of pain, QOL, and mood states.

Findings: No differences were found in any pain characteristics or any pain indices from the word descriptors of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Patients with somatic and visceral pain had significantly higher fatigue scores than pain-free patients. In addition, patients with somatic and visceral pain had significantly lower physical well-being, nutrition, and total QOL scores and more symptom distress than pain-free patients.

Conclusions: The type of cancer-related pain appears to influence the mood states and QOL of outpatients with cancer.

Implications for nursing practice: Oncology nurses need fo determine the type of pain the patient is experiencing and the impact of the pain on the patient's mood and QOL.