Wang, Y., Huang, H., Zeng, Y., Wu, J., Wang, R., Ren, B., & Xu, F. (2013). Pharmacist-led medication education in cancer pain control: A multicentre randomized controlled study in Guangzhou, China. Journal of International Medical Research, 41, 1462–1472.
To assess the impact of education on analgesic medication for patients with cancer-related pain
Patients were randomly assigned to control or education groups. The education group received three information booklets and eight face-to-face education and counseling sessions over four weeks. Clinical pharmacists contacted patients daily to review outcomes and made recommendations to physicians based on patient response. Pharmacists received standardized training. Pharmacists assisted patients to complete study questionnaires.
Pain and analgesic knowledge increased significantly from baseline in both groups, and pain intensity and interference decreased significantly in both groups from baseline (p < .05). Knowledge improved the most in patients who had not previously used analgesics. Pain intensity declined more in the intervention group.
Education and counseling were associated with improvement in pain scores.
The likely effectiveness of psychoeducation for improving pain control is known; this study supports that evidence in an inpatient setting.