Abstract
Context
Breakthrough cancer pain is associated with a high burden of physical, psychological and social problems in quantitative studies. Individual experiences of living with breakthrough pain have not been studied.
Objectives
This study aims to explore the individual experience of living with breakthrough cancer pain using a qualitative methodology.
Methods
In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in ten patients with breakthrough cancer pain, and a qualitative content analysis was performed.
Results
The overarching themes that emerged were daily living, communication with health care professionals and management of breakthrough pain.
Conclusions
Recognising the impact of breakthrough pain and the issues expressed by patients regarding communication and medication gives the clinician a framework for assessment and intervention.
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References
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Acknowledgements
This study was funded by the Royal Marsden Hospital Department of Palliative Medicine Research Fund and a United Kingdom Association of Palliative Medicine research bursary. We would like to thank Natalie Pattison for her valuable support.
Conflict of interest
The research sponsor is Imperial College, London that employs the authors Katherine Webber and Martin Cowie. The authors have full control of the primary data and agree to allow the journal to review this data if necessary.
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Webber, K., Davies, A.N. & Cowie, M.R. Breakthrough pain: a qualitative study involving patients with advanced cancer. Support Care Cancer 19, 2041–2046 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-010-1062-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-010-1062-z