Background: Cancer-related symptom management is best achieved by interdisciplinary teams. In 2011, the MUHC launched an interdisciplinary Cancer Pain Clinic including palliative care, anesthesia, radiation oncology and nursing with rapid access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychosocial oncology. Methods: We retrospectively analysed all new outpatients completing two subsequent visits since March 2013. Variables included a) symptom severity with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), b) pain with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and c) treatment including medication (type, formulation, dose of opioids) of non-pharmacological approaches. Results: 71 patients were analysed. Symptom management: Severity of pain and other five symptoms decreased significantly at V2 or V3 (Table). Pain significantly decreased in all four BPI categories. One third of patients had ≥50% pain relief at V2 or V3. Number of severe pain cases decreased (45% at V1 to 18% at V3) in parallel to an increase of mild pain cases (11% at V1, 41% at V3). Treatments: Acetaminophen, anticonvulsants and NSAIDs were the most common non-opioid drugs. Opioid prescription remained constant at an 80% yet the ratio between short acting (SA) and long acting (LA) changed at V3 compared to V1 (V1: SA/LA=76/44; V3: SA/LA=48/58) and the morphine equivalent daily doses decreased (V1: 100±194 mg, V2: 84±158mg and V3: 65±80mg). Among non-pharmacological methods, 28% of patients received interventional procedures, 18% psychotherapy and 12% palliative radiotherapy. Conclusions: We believe that the pain and other symptom improvement observed after three visits along with a lower opioid consumption is a result of the interdisciplinary approach offered.

Data show ave.± st dev.; * V1 vs. V2 comparison p<0.05; ⁺ V1 vs. V3 comparison p<0.05.