Table 1. Adequate Assessment of the Patient with Cancer Pain at any stage of the Disease: ESMO Guidelines
Download PDF: Assessment of Cancer Pain
| 1. Assess and re-assess the pain |
| Causes, onset, type, site, absence/presence of radiating pain, duration, intensity, relief and temporal patterns of the pain, number of breakthrough pains, pain syndrome, inferred pathophysiology, pain at rest and/or moving |
| Presence of the trigger factors and the signs and symptoms associated with the pain |
| Presence of the relieving factors |
| Use of analgesics and their efficacy and tolerability |
Require the description of the pain quality
|
| 2. Assess and re-assess the patient |
| Clinical situation by means of a complete/specific physical examination and the specific radiological and/or biochemical investigations |
| Presence of interference of pain with the patient’s daily activities, work, social life, sleep patterns, appetite, sexual functioning, mood, well-being, coping |
| Impact of the pain, the disease and the therapy on the physical, psychological and social conditions |
| Presence of a caregiver, the psychological status, the degree of awareness of the disease, anxiety and depression and suicidal ideation, his/her social environment, quality of life, spiritual concerns/needs, problems in communication, personality disorders |
| Presence and intensity of signs, physical and/or emotional symptoms associated with cancer pain syndromes |
| Presence of comorbidities (i.e. diabetic, renal and/or hepatic failure etc.) |
| Functional status |
| Presence of opioidophobia or misconception related to pain treatment |
| Alcohol and/or substance abuse |
| 3. Assess and re-assess your ability to inform and to communicate with the patient and family |
| Take time to spend with the patient and the family to understand their needs |
Reference:
1 – Ripamonti et al. Management of cancer pain: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. Ann Oncol. 23 (Suppl. 7): vii139-154, 2012.