Underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain: a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the United Kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain management
ObjectivesThis research aims to better delineate how intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) are incorporated into the oncology care continuum and highlight the need for further awareness of interventional options for pain management of cancer patients in the United Kingdom. The study focuses on ex...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Pain Research |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpain.2025.1481245/full |
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| author | Victoria Barnosky Victoria Barnosky Matthew Brown Somnath Bagchi Remy Blain Demir Husejnovic Sandra Johnson Meredith Mackworth-Praed |
| author_facet | Victoria Barnosky Victoria Barnosky Matthew Brown Somnath Bagchi Remy Blain Demir Husejnovic Sandra Johnson Meredith Mackworth-Praed |
| author_sort | Victoria Barnosky |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ObjectivesThis research aims to better delineate how intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) are incorporated into the oncology care continuum and highlight the need for further awareness of interventional options for pain management of cancer patients in the United Kingdom. The study focuses on exploring the knowledge, perspectives, and experiences of healthcare professionals regarding IDDS as a treatment option for managing chronic refractory pain in cancer patients.MethodologyA thematic coding using inductive analysis was employed to achieve the research objectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare professionals in various specialties, including oncology, neurosurgery, pain management, and palliative care. The interviews were transcribed, and a two-phased qualitative inductive coding approach was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe findings of the study revealed four major themes: Education, Barriers & Benefits, Technical & Administrative, and Patient-Centered Care. The theme of Education highlighted the need for increased knowledge and awareness of IDDS among healthcare professionals. Barriers & Benefits encompassed concerns about infection risk, suitability for patients with a short life expectancy, and the challenges and advantages of IDDS use. The Technical & Administrative theme addressed cost considerations, device management, and the need for improved guidelines. Patient-Centered Care emphasized the importance of involving patients in decision-making and considering their physical and emotional well-being throughout the treatment pathway.ConclusionsThis research identifies several areas of unmet need in the management of refractory pain in cancer patients, including the development of more inclusive guidelines, greater awareness among clinicians and patients, and the role of medical technology companies in supporting effective pain management. The findings underscore the impact of IDDS on improving pain control and highlight the potential importance of early intervention and comprehensive pain management in influencing the trajectory of oncological diseases. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-963b2901ffb847cb9e3fc48d6b3e29f6 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2673-561X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Pain Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-963b2901ffb847cb9e3fc48d6b3e29f62025-08-20T03:00:50ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pain Research2673-561X2025-02-01610.3389/fpain.2025.14812451481245Underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain: a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the United Kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain managementVictoria Barnosky0Victoria Barnosky1Matthew Brown2Somnath Bagchi3Remy Blain4Demir Husejnovic5Sandra Johnson6Meredith Mackworth-Praed7School of Health Professions, Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, PA, United StatesHealth Economics Outcomes Research, Suazio Consulting, Antwerp, BelgiumPain Medicine Department, The Royal Marsden Hospital, and Honorary Associate Faculty, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United KingdomChronic Pain Unit, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, United KingdomHealth Economics Outcomes Research, Suazio Consulting, Antwerp, BelgiumHealth Economics Outcomes Research, Suazio Consulting, Antwerp, BelgiumHealth Economics Outcomes Research, Suazio Consulting, Antwerp, BelgiumHealth Economics Outcomes Research, Suazio Consulting, Antwerp, BelgiumObjectivesThis research aims to better delineate how intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) are incorporated into the oncology care continuum and highlight the need for further awareness of interventional options for pain management of cancer patients in the United Kingdom. The study focuses on exploring the knowledge, perspectives, and experiences of healthcare professionals regarding IDDS as a treatment option for managing chronic refractory pain in cancer patients.MethodologyA thematic coding using inductive analysis was employed to achieve the research objectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare professionals in various specialties, including oncology, neurosurgery, pain management, and palliative care. The interviews were transcribed, and a two-phased qualitative inductive coding approach was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe findings of the study revealed four major themes: Education, Barriers & Benefits, Technical & Administrative, and Patient-Centered Care. The theme of Education highlighted the need for increased knowledge and awareness of IDDS among healthcare professionals. Barriers & Benefits encompassed concerns about infection risk, suitability for patients with a short life expectancy, and the challenges and advantages of IDDS use. The Technical & Administrative theme addressed cost considerations, device management, and the need for improved guidelines. Patient-Centered Care emphasized the importance of involving patients in decision-making and considering their physical and emotional well-being throughout the treatment pathway.ConclusionsThis research identifies several areas of unmet need in the management of refractory pain in cancer patients, including the development of more inclusive guidelines, greater awareness among clinicians and patients, and the role of medical technology companies in supporting effective pain management. The findings underscore the impact of IDDS on improving pain control and highlight the potential importance of early intervention and comprehensive pain management in influencing the trajectory of oncological diseases.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpain.2025.1481245/fullcancerrefractory painpain interventionsqualitative studyintrathecal drug delivery |
| spellingShingle | Victoria Barnosky Victoria Barnosky Matthew Brown Somnath Bagchi Remy Blain Demir Husejnovic Sandra Johnson Meredith Mackworth-Praed Underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain: a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the United Kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain management Frontiers in Pain Research cancer refractory pain pain interventions qualitative study intrathecal drug delivery |
| title | Underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain: a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the United Kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain management |
| title_full | Underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain: a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the United Kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain management |
| title_fullStr | Underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain: a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the United Kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain management |
| title_full_unstemmed | Underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain: a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the United Kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain management |
| title_short | Underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain: a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the United Kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain management |
| title_sort | underutilized treatments for patients with refractory cancer pain a qualitative study assessing the use of intrathecal drug delivery devices in the united kingdom compared to alternative treatments in cancer pain management |
| topic | cancer refractory pain pain interventions qualitative study intrathecal drug delivery |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpain.2025.1481245/full |
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