Article type
Abstract
Background: Palliative care is centered around individuals and their families, with pain being a prevalent and challenging symptom for cancer patients in this context. To enhance the quality of palliative care for cancer patients and their families, accurate empirical knowledge on pain assessment and management is crucial.
Objective: This study aims to conduct a scoping literature review to compile and analyze existing literature on pain symptoms' assessment and management in palliative care, with the goal of formulating clinical recommendations suitable for the local context.
Method: Following the five-step approach suggested by JBI for a scoping literature review, searches were performed on six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, JBI evidence summary, UpToDate, Google Scholar, and Airiti Library) until December 31, 2022. The search encompassed studies in both Chinese and English, limited to clinical guidelines. The Appraisal of Guideline for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool was employed.
Results: Twenty-three guidelines on the assessment and management of pain in palliative care were identified. The literature synthesis revealed four key aspects and 154 recommendations, covering: (1) General care principles with 15 items, addressing staff training, expert referral, patient education, and end-of-life care; (2) Comprehensive pain assessment with 27 items, encompassing timing, scope, and tools; (3) Seventy-two pharmaceutical management items; and (4) Thirty non-pharmaceutical management items, involving physical and psychological interventions and strengthening family and social supports.
Conclusion: This scoping literature review summarizes key recommendations for the assessment and management of pain symptoms in palliative care. Clinical care recommendations prioritize identifying the cause of pain through comprehensive assessment to offer appropriate pharmacological therapy and non-pharmacological interventions.
Objective: This study aims to conduct a scoping literature review to compile and analyze existing literature on pain symptoms' assessment and management in palliative care, with the goal of formulating clinical recommendations suitable for the local context.
Method: Following the five-step approach suggested by JBI for a scoping literature review, searches were performed on six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, JBI evidence summary, UpToDate, Google Scholar, and Airiti Library) until December 31, 2022. The search encompassed studies in both Chinese and English, limited to clinical guidelines. The Appraisal of Guideline for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool was employed.
Results: Twenty-three guidelines on the assessment and management of pain in palliative care were identified. The literature synthesis revealed four key aspects and 154 recommendations, covering: (1) General care principles with 15 items, addressing staff training, expert referral, patient education, and end-of-life care; (2) Comprehensive pain assessment with 27 items, encompassing timing, scope, and tools; (3) Seventy-two pharmaceutical management items; and (4) Thirty non-pharmaceutical management items, involving physical and psychological interventions and strengthening family and social supports.
Conclusion: This scoping literature review summarizes key recommendations for the assessment and management of pain symptoms in palliative care. Clinical care recommendations prioritize identifying the cause of pain through comprehensive assessment to offer appropriate pharmacological therapy and non-pharmacological interventions.