Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
9085655 | Journal of Pain and Symptom Management | 2005 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
Cancer pain management among prison inmates is an emerging problem. To examine the obstacles to cancer pain management in inmates, surveys of inmates with cancer pain (IPs) (n = 102) and primary care practitioners (PCPs) (n = 74) in Texas state prisons were conducted. IPs were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory and Pain Management Index (PMI). PCPs were assessed with a modified Clinic Staff Survey of Cancer Pain Management. Eighty-three IPs (81%) reported severe worst pain; 51 (49%) reported severe average pain. Thirty-three IPs (32%) reported no pain relief with prescribed analgesics. PMI was negative in 65 IPs (64%), indicating undertreatment. Of the PCPs, 20/65 (31%) felt that IPs were undertreated. Most frequently cited barriers to pain management were drug misuse/diversion and lack of inmate credibility. Practitioner problems and systemic barriers also were cited frequently. These results indicate the existence of unique barriers to undertreatment of cancer pain in IPs. A multidisciplinary approach involving prison authorities and practitioners is required to improve pain management in prison populations.
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Authors
James T. MD, Paul MD,