English summaries 22/2018 vsk 73 s. 1428 - 1434

The resources used in pain management of cancer patients in the Oulu University Hospital pain clinic

Syöpädiagnoosien (n = 259) jakauma % tutkimuksen potilasaineistossa.
Kipupoliklinikan konsultaatiossa kivun hoidon tehostamiseen käytetyt menetelmät. PCA-kipupumpun käyttö lisääntyi tilastollisesti merkitsevästi (p-arvo < 0,001).
Tutkimuksen potilasdemografia.
Sairaalaantulon syyt kipupoliklinikan hoitamilla syöpäpotilailla.
Kipupoliklinikan syöpäpotilaiden (n=259) päivystyskäynnit ja niiden syyt vuosina 2011–2013.

Background About half of all cancer patients experience pain. Over one third of these patients have severe or very severe pain.

Methods In this retrospective study we examined how pain management was organized in the Oulu University Hospital pain clinic and the resources needed in inpatient treatment of cancer patients in 2011–2013. We also examined whether the “Kytke”-project and updates in cancer pain management influenced the successfulness of the pain management in cancer patients in the Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District.

Results Over the course of the three-year period studied changes to clinical practices were noted. The use of PCA pumps and the number of DNR decisions increased in 2013 compared to 2011. Also, the number of emergency room visits to specialized medical care decreased. In our study the patients with lung or pancreatic cancer experienced the most pain. Most of the time sufficient pain management was achieved by increasing already existing pain medication or adding extra oral painkillers. Spinal pain management techniques were necessary with only 2.5% of the patients.

Conclusion Good cancer pain management is achieved by following simple principles in uncomplicated situations, and emergency visits can be reduced by improving pain management protocols. Most of the time a PCA pump is a sufficient and often used choice in patients with terminal cancer who experience severe pain. Anaesthetic special techniques should still be available when necessary.

Lääkäriliitto Fimnet Lääkärilehti Potilaanlaakarilehti Lääkäripäivät Lääkärikompassi Erikoisalani Lääkäri 2030