Abstract

Obaro S. Michael1 * and Joseph A. Badejo 2

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.