2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-P2.26. Managing Pain Lung Cancer Patients -- Contribution of Oncology Nurses

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This presentation focuses on the role of oncology nurses in managing pain in lung cancer patients. The author highlights the lack of a uniform approach to pain management, which creates dilemmas for nurses. The traditional approach for lung cancer patients involves surveillance for disease progression, but the use of Ayurveda therapy is preferred by Asian cancer patients. The author suggests that oncology nurses play a crucial role in this model of therapy. The management of pain in lung cancer patients requires a sound understanding of therapy, including drug mechanisms and potential interactions. Opioid analgesics are found to be the most useful agents for pain management, but a wide variety of non-opioid medications are also used. The author suggests that the combination of chemotherapy with Ayurveda and spirituality/psycho-social support may provide a new hope for pain management. <br /><br />The author conducted interviews with 115 patients who had completed treatment for lung cancer and had intractable pain. Most patients preferred Asian Ayurveda therapy over allopathic medicines. The majority of participants in the survey felt that pain due to lung cancer is distressing and challenging to manage, but available therapies can provide relief. The author concludes that a more comprehensive assessment, along with knowledge of analgesic agents and their use, is critical. The involvement of palliative care teams, counselors, and psychotherapists may lead to better results in improving quality of life. The author also suggests that nurses can contribute significantly to home-based cancer care in resource-poor nations. The study faced limitations due to a small sample size, but it provided valuable insights within the available resources and manpower for better patient care in developing nations.

Asset Subtitle

S Pal

Meta Tag

Speaker S Pal

Topic Multidisciplinary Care: Symptom Management

Keywords

oncology nurses

pain management

lung cancer patients

Ayurveda therapy

drug mechanisms

opioid analgesics

non-opioid medications

chemotherapy

palliative care teams

home-based cancer care