Multidisciplinary intervention incorporating pharmacists in management of opioid-naive patients with moderate to severe cancer pain

Objective This study aims to investigate the impact of intervention of multidisciplinary team incorporating pharmacists for management of opioid-naive patients with moderate to severe cancer pain. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare pre- and post-multidisciplinary intervention groups in opioid-naive patients with moderate to severe cancer pain. Primary outcome was the proportions of appropriate pain assessment and opioid titration. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity (PI), length of hospital stay, opioid escalation index percentage (OEI%) and incidences of opioid-related adverse events. Results A total of 400 patients were included in the study (pre-intervention, n = 200; post-intervention, n = 200). Continuous improvement in pain assessment and titration was recorded after intervention. Though no substantial differences existed between groups in PI on the day of discharge, post-intervention group was associated with reduced length of hospital stay as well as decreased proportion of subjects with OEI% >5%. As for safety, significant decreases in constipation and vomiting were seen. Conclusion Findings suggest that interventions of multidisciplinary team incorporating pharmacists could improve cancer pain management for opioid-naive patients. Pharmacists should be considered as an important member of a multidisciplinary team in good pain management.