Predictors of prescription of morphine for severe cancer pain by physicians in Korea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study was undertaken to identify predictors of the prescription of strong opioids, which are important for the management of severe cancer pain, by Korean physicians.

METHODS:

A questionnaire based on a hypothetical case designed to assess the prescription of morphine by physicians was administered to 800 specialists in the Korea Cancer Association, of whom 147 (18.4%) responded, and to 2200 specialists in the Korean Academy of Family Medicine, of whom 388 (17.6%) responded. We used a multidimensional approach to identify the predictors of prescription of morphine by physicians.

RESULTS:

In the hypothetical case scenario, only 16.5% of the respondents stated that they would prescribe morphine for severe cancer pain. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that physicians with a positive attitude regarding opioid addiction [odds ratio (OR) 2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-4.46], experience of pain assessment (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.13-3.87), recent residency training (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.30-4.0) and positive self-evaluation as an oncology specialist (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.41-4.78) were more likely to prescribe morphine. None of the 13 variables in the knowledge dimension significantly predicted prescription of morphine for severe cancer pain.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the survey suggest that we need to develop strategies to develop a positive attitude toward opioids, to increase experience in pain assessment and to improve cancer pain management training among Korean physicians.

• Authors: Y H Yun, S M Park, K Lee, Y J Chang, D S Heo, S-Y Kim, Y S Hong, B Y Huh
• Journal: Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology (Ann Oncol) Vol. 16 Issue 6 Pg. 966-71 (Jun 2005) ISSN: 0923-7534 [Print] England
• PMID: 15857848 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Morphine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Drug Utilization
• Female
• Humans
• Korea
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Morphine (therapeutic use)
• Multivariate Analysis
• Neoplasms (physiopathology)
• Pain, Intractable (drug therapy)