AB196. SOH22ABS029. Case report: the importance of patients pain expression on therapeutic outcome in the treatment of pain

Background: It has long been recognised that language plays an important role in the lives of patients with chronic pain. It has profound effects on the way that patients interact with others in their personal lives and in their interactions with healthcare professionals. The degree to which patients express their pain both verbally and non-verbally has been shown to influence the behaviour of their partners’ sympathetic and punishing responses. In the context of the medical interview patients’ description of pain, its impact on their lives and their desired outcome from the consultation are known to impact the judgements made on the part of the medical practitioner. When patients feel a deep sense of injustice and anger they may voice these feelings in ways that alienate themselves from their caregivers or healthcare professionals, which in turn can impact the outcome of their care.

Methods: We present the case of a 65-year-old female, with pancreatic cancer, who had been referred to the pain service at our institution for consideration of coeliac plexus block, as an interesting example of how patient’s pain expression can play an important role in their treatment outcome.

Results: The patient was medically well on the start of her journey after diagnosis. The patient did not take into account her life/treatment journey when she communicated regarding her pain. The patient acknowledged when she was educated regarding pain treatments and how we express ourselves.

Conclusions: Patients should be educated regarding pain expression. It has an important impact on care and outcomes.

Keywords: Cancer pain; pain; pain expression; pain education; pain intervention