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Implementing a holistic pain treatment plan in advanced multiple myeloma
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On November 10, 2022, the Multiple Myeloma Hub held a virtual symposium on the topic of holistic pain management in multiple myeloma, with three established leaders in the field talking on different elements of pain management.
Here, we share the presentation by Barry Quinn, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK, on implementing a holistic pain treatment plan in advanced multiple myeloma.
The Multiple Myeloma Hub has previously covered the need for the management of pain in patients with multiple myeloma.
In this presentation, Dr Quinn considers the less discussed aspects of pain management, such as hidden elements of pain (Figure 1), and the principles of good pain assessment (Figure 2).
Figure 1. A Human dimensions of pain and the B hidden elements*
*Adapted from MACPT.1
Figure 2. Principles of pain assessment*
*Adapted from MACPT.1
Watch or download the presentation to learn more about:
- The classification of pain (02:22; slide 37)
- The barriers to effective pain assessment and management (02:44; slides 38–40)
- Approaches to holistic pain management (06:42; slides 41–47)
Key points
- Pain is frequently underreported and undertreated.
- The physical, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of pain need to be considered.
- Open, honest, and sensitive communication is essential.
- Prevention is an often overlooked component of pain management and should be considered.
- Aim to co-create a pain management plan with the person living with advanced disease.
This independent educational activity was supported by Mundipharma. All content was developed independently by the faculty. The funder was allowed no influence on the content of this activity.
Disclaimer: All content produced by the Multiple Myeloma Hub is intended to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain, issued in November 2022. Opioids are a class of highly addictive prescription painkillers; therefore, all information regarding their use must accurately describe the benefits and serious risks of misuse and abuse. The CDC recommendations do not apply to pain management related to sickle cell disease, cancer-related pain treatment, palliative care, or end-of-life care. Key principles to be taken into consideration include: i) nonopioid therapies are at least as effective as opioids for many common types of acute pain and are preferred for subacute and chronic pain; ii) before starting opioid therapy, clinicians should discuss with patients the realistic benefits and known risks; iii) when opioids are used, clinicians should prescribe immediate-release opioids at the lowest possible effective dosage; and iv) clinicians should regularly reevaluate with patients the benefits and risks of continued opioid therapy and when changing the dosage.
- MACPT. An expert guidance. http://macpt.info/download/J009950_CME1029_Pain_Guidence_Doc.pdf. Accessed Nov 10, 2022.
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