Investigation and analysis of oncologists’ knowledge of morphine usage in cancer pain treatment

Abstract

Purpose: To examine oncologists' knowledge of cancer pain and morphine's clinical application in the People's Republic of China. In addition, this study analyzes and discusses the negative factors that currently affect the clinical application of morphine.

Patients and methods: A questionnaire survey was given to a random sample of 150 oncologists from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. The statistical results were analyzed and processed using SPSS version 21.0 and Matlab version 2012a statistical software. Single-factor analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test, and independent samples t-test were adopted to analyze the difference in knowledge scores of morphine usage. The study also identified major impediment factors on clinical use of morphine.

Results: Among the 127 respondents, morphine controlled-release tablets were the most popular drug chosen to treat severe cancer pain (76 respondents, 35.8%). Participants who reported having received training in cancer pain management and drug use demonstrated a significantly higher mean score of basic knowledge compared with their untrained peers (11.51±2.60 versus 9.28±3.68, t=2.48, P=0.022). The top four barriers to widespread clinical use of morphine for cancer pain were 1) insufficient analgesia administration training for medical personnel, 2) poor patient compliance, 3) drug side effects, and 4) concerns surrounding drug addiction.

Conclusion: The oncologists in the People's Republic of China simultaneously lack comprehensive knowledge and harbor misconceptions with regard to cancer pain treatment and morphine's clinical application. Creating professional training initiatives for oncologists is necessary to enhance their awareness and expertise in morphine use for cancer pain treatment.