Abstract
Purpose
Cancer pain is one of the most distressing symptoms, severely impairing patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess cancer pain using multidimensional questionnaires and to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led interventions on pain management and QoL.
Methods
A prospective interventional study was conducted among eligible cancer patients. Pain and QoL were assessed using validated multidimensional questionnaires. Pharmacist interventions included counselling, an educational video, and a patient information leaflet. Patients were reassessed post-intervention, and pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed for statistical significance.
Results
A total of 147 cancer patients were enrolled, with nearly equal gender distribution. Breast, buccal mucosa, and lung cancers were most prevalent. Surgery was the predominant treatment, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Pharmacist-led interventions significantly improved QoL across physical, emotional, social, sleep, and behavioral domains (all p < 0.01), with overall QoL scores rising from 4.8 ± 1.25 to 10.5 ± 2.13 (p < 0.001). The economic domain showed comparatively slight improvement, reflecting persistent financial strain. Use of non-pharmacological strategies such as meditation, physiotherapy, and psychosocial support increased significantly post-intervention.
Conclusion
A comprehensive assessment with a multidimensional pain questionnaire revealed the broad impact of cancer pain on patients’ lives. Pharmacist-led interventions, combining education, counselling, and supportive care, significantly improved pain control and quality of life across physical, emotional, social, and sleep domains. The persistent economic burden indicates the importance of integrated financial support, but our findings highlight the vital role of clinical pharmacists in delivering holistic, patient-centered cancer pain management.
Keywords
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