Health care professionals' familiarity with non-pharmacological strategiesfor managing cancer pain

Many studies have confirmed unnecessary suffering among cancer patients, du e to the inadequate use of analgesic medication and other effective interve ntions. While pharmacological treatments are appropriately the central comp onent of cancer pain management, the under-utilization of effective nonphar macological strategies (NPS) may contribute to the problem of pain and suff ering among cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to determine hea lth care professionals' familiarity with, and perceptions regarding, NPS fo r managing cancer pain, and to assess their interest in learning more about NPS as adjuncts to pharmacological analgesics. Two-hundred and fourteen he alth care professionals were surveyed at two cancer treatment centres in On tario, Canada. The self-report questionnaire included questions regarding I I psychological strategies (e.g. imagery) and eight other NPS (e.g. acupunc ture). The response rate was 67% (141/214). Subjects were found to be the l east familiar with autogenic training, operant conditioning, and cognitive therapy. Other than radiation and surgery, subjects most commonly reported recommending support groups (67%), imagery (54%), music or art therapy (49% ) and meditation (43%) for managing cancer pain. Participants were most int erested in learning more about acupuncture, massage therapy, therapeutic to uch, hypnosis, and biofeedback. Participants were somewhat familiar with mo st of the 19 NPS presented; however, they use or recommend few NPS for mana ging cancer pain. Health professionals' interest in NPS has important impli cations for the supportive care of cancer patients. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.