Acute, Subacute and Chronic Nature of Pain during Prescription Opioid Medications in Cancer Survivor: A Qualitative Analysis of Iraq’s Oncology Experts

Authors

  • Ali A Fahdil Medical technical college/ Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
  • Mohammed Haider Hamad Medical Laboratory Techniques Department/Al-Mustaqbal University college, Babylon, Iraq
  • Muataz Mohammed Al-Taee Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, AL-Nisour University College/Baghdad/Iraq
  • Anfal Nabeel Mustafa 4Department of Pharmacy, AlNoor University College, Nineveh, Iraq
  • Hussein Ali Hussein Scientific Research Center, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
  • Reem Mohsin Khalaf Mazaya University College/Iraq
  • Ahmed S. Abed Hilla University college, Babylon, Iraq/Department of Prosthetic Dental Technology

Keywords:

Cancer Survivor; Pain Management; Prescription Opioid Medications; Oncology Experts; Iraq; Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Opioid prescription medications (POM) have considerably aided in treating cancer survivors and patients suffering from pain after surgery or other therapies. However, healthcare practitioners have always been concerned about using POM for pain management. Several rigorous regulations surrounding POM have been proposed in Iraq, impacting the general attitudes of
oncology specialists and cancer survivors.
Aim: This study’s primary objective is to ascertain the opinions of oncology specialists in Iraq onthe use of POM for pain management in cancer survivors.
Methods: Iraqi oncology specialists participated in semi-structured interviews for a qualitative study. Eight respondents were selected through purposeful sampling, and thematic analysis was performed.
Results: After the interviews were transcribed and coded, four major themes were identified: (1)Pain Management in Cancer Survivors, (2) Handling of Prescription Opioid Medication (POM) inCancer Survivors, (3) Alternative Therapies for Pain Management in Cancer Survivors, and (4)Policies regarding POM.
Conclusion: This study indicated that the abuse of opioids by cancer survivors prompted theadoption of severe laws governing the distribution of opioids, motivating healthcare providersto focus on alternative therapies. While prescribing opioids for cancer survivors, these stringentregulations have also highlighted that healthcare practitioners describe the type of pain (acute,subacute, or chronic).

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Published

2023-04-15

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2022): Journal of Carcinogenesis Vol 21, Issue 1

Section

Articles