AUTHOR=Eisen Tessa , Kooijstra Eline Menje , Groeneweg Ruud , Verseveld Michelle , Hidding Janine 

TITLE=The Needs and Experiences of Patients on Pain Education and the Clinical Reasoning of Physical Therapists Regarding Cancer-Related Pain. A Qualitative Study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pain Research

VOLUME=Volume 2 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pain-research/articles/10.3389/fpain.2021.675302

DOI=10.3389/fpain.2021.675302

ISSN=2673-561X

ABSTRACT=Objective: This study offers direction for interaction between physical therapists and patients about cancer-related pain during physical training. The study may increase awareness of rehabilitation strategies for cancer-related pain during and after cancer treatment.

Methods: Qualitative study, evaluating results of two qualitative studies. Data have been collected using semi-structured interviews, in which topics were discussed with patients and physical therapists.

Results: Eighteen patients and fifteen physical therapists were interviewed. Data was categorized in statements regarding 'patients' needs', 'patients' experiences' and 'clinical reasoning of the physical therapist'.

'Patients' needs' for education were personal and included needs for information about the cause, course and effect of pain in relation to cancer and/or medical treatment, needs for
practical tools for reducing pain, needs for strategies dealing with pain in daily activities, and needs for information about additional treatment and care options.

When discussing 'patients' experiences', patients mentioned that physical therapists are cautious in expressing their expectations of the progress of pain and offer pain education on the cause of pain, dealing with pain and limitations in daily life, exercising, posture, learning self-care and information about additional treatment and care options in cancer-related pain. Patients provided insight to their educational, mental, and social support relative to experiences with physical therapists. Additionally, when discussing the communication they experienced with physical therapists, patients used descriptors such as accessibility, empathy, trust, knowledge and removing uncertainties.

Interviews with physical therapists regarding their clinical reasoning process described that they identified pain from anamnesis (medical history review), performed screening and analysis for pain secondary to cancer (treatment) as type of pain and pain influencing factors, described thoughts and experiences about pain and the use of pain clinometry, established objectives and interventions for physical therapy and multidisciplinary treatment of cancer-related pain.

Conclusion: Patients with cancer-related pain during physical training have personal needs regarding pain education and experience that specialized oncologic physical therapists focus on patient-centered information and self-management support. Specialized oncologic physical therapists analyze pain in the anamnesis and keep in mind the origin and impact of pain during screening and treatment. Different methods of pain management are used.