Abstract

VARGAS-BERMUDEZ, Alejandro. Inadequate management of cancer pain in Costa Rica: A problem related to academic preparation?. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2014, vol.56, n.2, pp.59-64. ISSN 0001-6002.

Objective: To evaluate knowledge level of medical residents from the Medical Specialties Program of the World Health Organization guidelines for the treatment of cancer pain. Methods: For data collection, an anonymous and self-administered questionnaire was used. This survey had 18 questions, both open and closed-ended. It was applied to 70 medical residents of the Medical Specialties Program of the Center for Strategic Development and Health Information on Social Security that were undertaking professional training at the Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia Hospital. Results: According to the statistical analysis, the average value of knowledge attained was 51.6%. No differences were found among residents with regard to the area of specialty or years in training. In 89.9% of the cases, it was found that residents do not have proper academic preparation on management of cancer pain. Conclusions: There is a serious lack of knowledge by residents on the key pillars of proper analgesic treatment of cancer patients. This subject must be included on the Medicine academic programs, both at undergraduate as well as graduate level

Keywords : Cancer; pain; analgesics; opioids; physicians.

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