Pragmatic Research of Acupuncture and Counseling eXtended to Inpatient Services

Despite improved assessment and pharmacologic management, cancer pain is still undertreated. Using non-pharmacologic treatments alongside medications may better address patients' total pain experience by relieving physical and psychological symptoms and reducing the adverse effects of drugs. However, our knowledge of the benefits of multidisciplinary approaches in real-world hospital settings is limited. Patients want to know "How can I get the most pain relief with the fewest side effects?" This study proposal is designed to address this question by testing how combining pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic (acupuncture and pain counseling) treatments can: (1) maximize effectiveness, (2) minimize harms, and (3) align with patients' preferences.