• 5/23/2015
    The National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), in conjunction with the Department of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research (NMER) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), recently hosted its inaugural grand round lecture to highlight latest trends and advances in pain management for cancer patients.

    More than 300 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals, gathered at the day-long event, which served as a platform for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and to discuss the importance of collaborative work in achieving the best possible outcomes for patients with different kinds of cancers. 

    Ms. Catherine Gillespie, Assistant Executive Director of Nursing at NCCCR, presented the opening remarks at the event and encouraged healthcare providers working across the cancer care pathway to recognize the importance of their role in delivering compassionate patient care, rooted in evidence-based knowledge and research.

    Commenting on the significance of the event, Ms. Gillespie stated: “This event reflects HMC’s commitment to enhance the quality of care offered to our patients in a multi-disciplinary setting. We hope that our colleagues from across the organization have benefited from the shared expertise and will be able to apply some of the learning to their own clinical practice.”

    The event featured nine state-of-the-art presentations by local experts, working across multiple specialties in pain management, discussing topics such as: types and causes of cancer pain; pain assessment and barriers to effective pain management; cognitive, behavioral and lifestyle change for patients with cancer pain; non-pharmacological approach in cancer pain management; myths and facts about pain in cancer patients; and the role of the palliative clinical nurse specialists in cancer pain management.

    Representatives from Qatar Cancer Society also participated in the event and shared insights about the financial support being provided to patients who are unable to meet their treatment expenses.

    Mr. Abdulqadir Nashwan, Acting Nurse Educator at NCCCR and one of the chief organizers of the event stated: “Cancer treatment can often cause ongoing pain. However, effective pain management, through a multi-disciplinary approach, can help diminish the pain and improve the quality of life for those living with cancer, resulting in better energy levels and improved sleep.”

    “Different treatment modalities are available for various kinds of cancers and it is key that healthcare professionals understand how they can work together to allow optimal integration of these modalities, which will in turn create a more positive experience for our patients dealing with cancer pain and allow them to cope better,” Mr. Nashwan added.