Oncologists facing pain: A qualitative study

Aims: To understand the medical team's represen- tation of pain in oncology. Our goal is also to understand how these professionals perceive the support of pain. What psychosocial issues come into play in a therapeutic situation when using an opioid analgesic treatment? Procedure: In a qualitative approach, we conducted fourteen individual semi-structured researches through interviews with doctors and residents in the department of Medical Oncology. Our study consists of an analysis of thematic con- tents. Results: The analysis of thematic contents revealed that doc- tors believe pain in oncology is multidimensional. The imple- mentation of an opioid analgesic treatment is not as easy as one may think. Patients' and doctors' representations and beliefs about morphine hamper the therapeutic situation. The medical team must implement various strategies to achieve their goal of relieving pain in patients with cancer. The doctor may need to educate and reassure the patient about taking these treatments. You will note that a negotiation then takes place between the doctor and the patient. Usually present between the two actors, we notice a decrease of the asymmetry of the relationship in the management of pain. Conclusion :I t's important to draw attention to the psychoso- cial issues in the therapeutic situation in the context of the management of pain within oncology.