Pain management and palliative care: A program of research

Abstract

<p>In this session a number of studies conducted in the field of pain management and palliative care in different countries and most recently in Lebanon will be presented. The session will depict the importance of a research trajectory and a clear program of research for knowledge development in the field and on impacting policy and health care practice. The trajectory of research started in the 1980s with a clear focus on pain assessment and pain management in children of all age groups first in the USA and at a later stage in the Netherlands and more recently in Lebanon. Palliative care research complemented pain research in the last 15 years and included a clear focus on research across the life span using different research paradigms and varying from exploratory qualitative research in children and adults to quantitative and mixed method research among patients with cancer and non-cancer conditions and currently with the older adult population. Despite the improved methods of treatment, and the fact that early diagnosis can assist in a better chance of survival of patients with cancer, not all patients with cancer can be cured. When the chances of a cure decrease, care is shifted to focus on optimizing quality of life and on palliation. In Lebanon and elsewhere in the world, the number of cancer patients is increasing, and patients are living longer due to early detection and enhanced methods of treatment; however, the majority is suffering needlessly, due to lack of pain relief and palliative care. The ultimate aim of the studies conducted in the Netherlands and more recently in Lebanon was to contribute to the development of the field and to impact policy at the national levels. During the lecture, a summary of the studies will be provided and their current impact on policy development in Lebanon will be shared.</p>