ISSN 2167-0404
International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences ISSN: 2167-0404 Vol. 2 (11), pp.251-255, November, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Feasibility of using World Health Organization (WHO) pain ladder in the management of pain at a secondary healthcare center
Obaro S. Michael1* and Joseph A. Badejo2
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria.
2Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
Received 08 July, 2012; Accepted 07 November, 2012
Abstract
The objectives of this report were to determine the feasibility of adhering to World Health Organization (WHO) three-step pain management guidelines in a secondary healthcare institution and to identify areas where improvements are needed. The study was carried out in January, 2012. Descriptive analysis of available analgesics and adjuvants was done and the cost implications were also evaluated. Analgesic options for the 3 rungs of the WHO pain ladder were available. However, 11/14 (78.6%) of all the analgesics were nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). No Cox-2 inhibitor was available. Tramadol and Dihydrocodeine were the only agents available for second level treatment of pain, while parenteral pentazocine was the only agent available for the treatment of severe pain. All the agents were affordable. Managing pain using the WHO pain ladder is feasible at secondary healthcare hospitals. However, there is a need to expand analgesic options at the second and third rungs of the ladder.
Key words: World Health Organization (WHO) pain ladder, analgesics, cost, Nigeria.