British journal of pain
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British journal of pain · May 2016
Perceptions of phantom limb pain in lower limb amputees and its effect on quality of life: a qualitative study.
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a prevalent complication post-amputation. Currently, qualitative literature exploring the experience of PLP in amputees is sparse, and little is known about whether the educational needs of amputees are being met. ⋯ PLP can be a severe and annoying experience acting as a reminder of amputees' circumstances. Information provided about PLP is inadequate, with some amputees still perceiving PLP as mental and imaginary. Education about PLP and awareness and accessibility to non-pharmacological interventions needs to be improved.
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British journal of pain · Nov 2015
Prescribing opioid analgesics for chronic non-malignant pain in general practice - a survey of attitudes and practice.
This study replicates a previous postal survey of general practitioners (GPs) to explore whether attitudes to opioid prescribing have changed at a time when the number of opioid prescriptions issued in primary care has increased. ⋯ Given the national trend for increased opioid prescriptions, it is unsurprising that more frequent self-reported prescribing is reported here; however, increased frequency does not translate into less reluctance about prescribing. The effectiveness of strong opioids for chronic pain is recognised, but concerns about addiction, dependence and misuse inform a reluctance to use strong opioids. These juxtapositions highlight a continued need for clearer understanding of GPs' perceptions of strong opioids and point to the potential benefit of dedicated guidelines or specialist education and training to address their uncertainties.
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British journal of pain · Nov 2015
The development and delivery of a female chronic pelvic pain management programme: a specialised interdisciplinary approach.
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a physically and psychologically debilitating condition. European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines (2013) and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines (2012) place strong emphasis upon multi-speciality assessment and liaison, as well as interdisciplinary assessment and intervention in reference to the management of CPP. ⋯ This article presents some preliminary results that suggest there is value in delivering a specialised multidisciplinary PMP for this group. There is a clear need for further clinical research into the effectiveness of similar interventions for CPP, including the early identification of those CPP patients who may benefit from both multi-specialty and interdisciplinary management.
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British journal of pain · Aug 2015
Influence of ethnicity on the perception and treatment of early post-operative pain.
Previous studies indicated that patients from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups tend to receive less analgesics compared to Caucasian (White) patients after similar surgical procedures. Most such data originated from North America and suggested that health-care professionals may perceive the expression of excessive pain by BAME patient groups as an exaggerated response to pain, rather than sub-optimal treatment. There are limited data comparing acute pain management between South Asian and White British patients. ⋯ We conclude that in an institution where both patients and health-care professionals are from an ethnically diverse population, neither post-operative pain nor pain management are influenced significantly by South Asian ethnicity.
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British journal of pain · Aug 2015
Can pictorial images communicate the quality of pain successfully?
Chronic pain is common and difficult for patients to communicate to health professionals. It may include neuropathic elements which require specialised treatment. A little used approach to communicating the quality of pain is through the use of images. ⋯ Clearly, attention needs to be given not only to the content of images designed to depict the sensory qualities of pain but also to the differing audiences who may use them. Education, verbal ability, ethnicity and a multiplicity of other factors may influence the understanding and use of such images. Considerable work is needed to develop a set of images which is sufficiently culturally appropriate and effective for general use.