The Use of Methadone in Adult Patients with Cancer Pain at a Governmental Cancer Center in India

The Introduction and Experiences of Methadone for Treatment of Cancer Pain at a Low-resource Governmental Cancer Center in India

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the clinical experience of the health-care professionals (HCPs) responsible for the introduction of methadone, for the treatment of complex cancer pain, at a low-resource hospital in India in a patient-group, burdened by illiteracy, and low socio-economic status.

Materials and Methods

Ten HCPs: Four medical doctors, four nurses, one pharmacist, and one hospital administrator were interviewed. The interviews are examined using a qualitative conventional content analysis.

Results

The interviews showed a confidence amongst the HCPs, responsible for the safe introduction of methadone in a stressful and low-resource surrounding, to patients with cancer pain and the different aspects of methadone, as initiation, titration, and maintenance of treatment.

Conclusion

Introduction of methadone for cancer pain management is safe and feasible although low resources in a challenging hospital setting and care environment.