Inadequate Management of Chronic Non-cancer Pain and Treatment-Related Adverse Events in Asia: Perspectives from Patients from 10 Countries/Regions

Abstract

Findings from the published ACHEON study revealed inadequate pain relief for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) across 10 Asian countries/regions. Hence, we performed additional analyses on the survey data to understand management practices for relieving CNCP and treatment-related adverse events (AEs). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patients’ profile, prescribed treatments, and associated AEs. Two-sample t test was used to compare pain levels between treatment groups. Univariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with pain intensity, presence of any common AEs, perceived treatment adequacy, patient-physician interaction, and employment status. Of 1305 patients surveyed, the median duration of CNCP was 24 (interquartile range, 39) months. The majority of patients (89.3%) reported having moderate (44.4%) or severe pain (44.9%). Most patients (80.1%) were prescribed non-opioids, while 16.2% of patients were untreated for pain. Although over half of the treated patients (53.8%) experienced AEs while receiving pain treatment, two-fifths were prescribed medications to manage these AEs. High pain levels, presence of AEs, and employment status influenced patients’ perception of treatment adequacy. Patients were more willing to inform their physicians when pain levels were higher and when they perceived sufficient time with physicians. These findings revealed inadequate treatment of CNCP in patients from the participating countries/regions. CNCP management may be improved through increased physician-patient interaction time and adopting a biopsychosocial model for treatment. A proactive and multidimensional approach is required to manage CNCP and potential treatment-related AEs so as to provide optimal care for patients experiencing CNCP.