Despite treatment efforts, chronic pain management is failing
one in three (n = 377) patients suffering from severe chronic pain, and three
in five (n = 336) patients feel moderately or extremely anxious or depressed
as a result of their pain. Whilst eight in ten (n = 377) chronic pain
patients are taking prescription medication, one in two (n = 307) of these
patients are suffering the additional burden of side effects. These are the
findings released today from the interim data from PainSTORY (Pain Study
Tracking Ongoing Responses for Year), the first survey of its kind to provide
in-depth insight into how chronic pain impacts the lives of patients over one
year in 13 European countries.
Today's data provide a picture of patients' lives over the
three months since the survey was initiated and shows that despite
consultation with a healthcare professional and treatment patients are still
struggling with their pain, impacting patients' quality of life.
"Interim results from PainSTORY are important and highlight
that patients continue to suffer from chronic pain despite seeking medical
attention," said Dr Varrassi, President of the European Federation of IASP
Chapters, a leading pain society. "The medical community need to provide
adequate treatment for patients in moderate-severe pain, but there seems to
still be barriers that need to be overcome".
Since their initial interview three months ago, for 77 percent
(n = 377) of patients the level of pain they experience has either stayed the
same or even deteriorated further. 33% (n=377) of patients continue to suffer
from severe chronic pain, 15% (n = 377) had progressed from moderate to
severe pain, and 1% (n = 377) from mild to severe pain.
PainSTORY shows that both the physical and psychological
aspects of patients' lives are affected by their pain. Six out of ten (n =
336) patients are experiencing problems walking about and over half (n= 336)
experience problems sleeping. The influence of pain also extends into
patients' working lives, and almost half (n = 195) have changed the way they
work. "I couldn't interact. The pain trapped me and I couldn't socialise. I
felt like a prisoner of the pain and really conditioned by it," said patient
14 from the United Kingdom.
Today's data show patients are being prescribed suboptimal
treatment for their pain. Of the 81 percent (n = 377) of patients in
moderate-severe pain on prescription medication, only 13 percent were
prescribed strong opioids. Over half of patients were suffering at least one
side effect as a result of their prescribed medication (n = 162), including
constipation, dizziness and drowsiness, which are common symptoms for both
weak and strong opioids.
"Side effects are affecting these patients. Patients are
finding themselves in situations where they need to choose between using pain
relief medications, or compromising their pain management by not taking
medications to avoid the burden of side effects," stated Professor Erdine
from the World Institute of Pain. "We are interested to see the next wave of
results for PainSTORY. There has already been some interesting issues that
have been brought to light. This survey demonstrates the pressing need for
improved management of pain across Europe."
About the survey
PainSTORY (Pain Study Tracking Ongoing Responses for a Year)
is the first study of its kind to track patients with chronic pain for a
year, providing a picture of the lives of people living in pain, and the
management of pain in 13 European countries.
Baseline results from the study show that chronic pain has a
significant impact on the daily lives of patients. The survey aims to better
understand the management of chronic pain across Europe.
The PainSTORY survey is being conducted by an independent
research company, IPSOS, in collaboration with the following independent
third parties:
- European Federation of IASP Chapters
- World Institute of Pain
- Arthritis and Rheumatism International
- OPEN Minds
The survey is sponsored by a restricted educational grant from
Mundipharma International Limited.
Methodology
PainSTORY recruited patients suffering from non-malignant
(osteoarthritis, back pain / lower back pain, osteoporosis, neuropathic pain,
mixed pain, other long term pain), moderate to severe (rate 5-10 on a pain
scale) chronic pain (i.e. lasting for more than three months). Respondents
are studied for 12 months. The research is being carried out in 13 countries
across Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain,
Ireland, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway by an
independent research company, IPSOS.
The study consists of four waves of qualitative interviews
between April 2008 and March 2009. Interim engagement activities between the
four waves are sent to patients to provide additional insight, such as
diaries and lifebooks. Comparisons between baseline data and subsequent wave
results will show how the impact of pain and pain management changes over the
course of a year.
About the European Week Against Pain
The European Week Against Pain (EWAP) which takes place
annually, was started as part of the European Federation of IASP Chapters'
(EFIC's), Europe Against Pain Initiative, in October 2001. EWAP aims to
create more awareness of pain as a major healthcare problem amongst the
general public, healthcare workers and healthcare policy makers.
The theme of this year's EWAP is fibromyalgia, a widespread
musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder that occurs predominately in women.
Unexplained widespread pain occurs in about 10% of the general adult
population in Western countries, with approximately half of those affected
meeting American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for
fibromyalgia.
The PainSTORY survey was sponsored by a restricted educational
grant from Mundipharma International Ltd, Cambridge, England
PainSTORY
What is pain?
For more information on what pain is and possible treatments, please see:
What is Pain? What Causes Pain?
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий