During patients' treatment at a chronic pain clinic, what influence does the educational role of a specialist pharmacist have on their analgesia and perceptions about their pain medicines?

Abstract

Aims This research aimed to determine whether education and advice from a specialist pharmacist in a chronic pain team (CPT) improved patient’s analgesia. Methods 55 patients referred to a chronic pain service in Staffordshire, UK were reviewed, educated and advised by a specialist pharmacist, four months apart. Medication and pain scores were recorded using validated tools (BPI and S-LANSS). Data were compared and analysed for significant changes. Ethical approval was obtained. Results Significant changes between visits were identified in some areas of medicine taking behaviour (BPI). Patients’ mean ‘worst pain’ score improved (8.4 to 7.9, p=0.023), perceived percentage of ‘relief from treatment’ increased (41% to 51%, p<0.001), fewer patients reported analgesia as ‘ineffective’ (43% to 13%, p=0.003), perceived duration of effective analgesia increased (p=0.004) finally more patients reported their mild/moderate opioids ‘effective’(p=0.006). Between visits, patient attitudes to medication taking changed. Overall fewer patients required: stronger analgesia (57% to 37%, P=0.002); more analgesia than prescribed (33% to 21%, p=0.004) more analgesic information (76% to 45%, p=0.004). Fewer considered they were taking ‘too much’ analgesia (46% to 31%, p=0.004) Conclusion Results suggest that education about analgesia by a specialist pharmacist working in a CPT can positively impact on patient’s pain scores