The MyPath Pain Pathway: Developing a Digital Patient-Centred Care Pathway for Cancer Pain.

Abstract

Cancer pain affects up to 45% of patients, with more than 30% experiencing moderate to severe pain. Despite established guidelines, over 40% of patients receive inadequate pain management, severely impacting their quality of life. While effective pain assessment is essential, a standardized approach is lacking in both research and clinical practice. MyPath, a European Union-funded project, aims to implement a patient-centered care (PCC) approach across nine European cancer centers by systematically assessing and managing common symptoms and psychosocial issues to improve PCC for cancer patients. The aim of the present article is to describe the development of the clinical content for the MyPath Pain Care Pathway (PCP), based on patient reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical assessment, designed to offer standardized multidimensional pain management. Between September 2022 and August 2024, an international, multidisciplinary steering group developed a systematic method for assessing and diagnosing cancer pain using evidence-based guidelines. The MyPath PCP pain assessment includes five key components: pain etiology, location, intensity, flares, and treatment (including relief and dose-limiting side effects), in line with the ICD-11 classification. Data will be gathered through digitalized PROs and clinical consultation in the MyPath's digital solution, which will suggest individualized pain management strategies. The first version of the tool will be implemented in 2025, with further adaptations based on feedback from patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The MyPath PCP represents a digital standardized pain assessment approach to improve the quality of pain management for cancer patients across clinical settings.