PAINscape—Exploring patient experiences with ketamine for chronic neuropathic pain: A qualitative study
Nandana D. Parakh, Danielle Lessor, Kevin Dang, Paul Ritvo, Duminda N. Wijeysundera, Victoria Tucci, Mariela Leda, Mindy Lu, Gabriella Mattina, Janneth Pazmino-Canizares, Zaaria Thomas, R. Nayar, John G. Hanlon, Sérgio M. Pereira, Sunit Das, Hance Clarke, Sakina J. Rizvi, Cheryl Pritlove, Akash Goel
Canadian Journal of Pain March 4, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2026.2615473 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAll participants reported decreased pain with ketamine infusions, though pain experiences varied. To improve ketamine's benefit for chronic neuropathic pain, it is important to address stigma, research ways to extend the duration of its effects, and provide a safe treatment environment. Understanding barriers and facilitators, along with implementing participant suggestions, can inform ketamine programs, improve access to pain management, and guide future research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Participants with chronic neuropathic pain |
| Intervention | Ketamine infusions |
| Topics | Ketamine |
| Keywords | Chronic pain Medicine Neuropathic pain Qualitative research |
| Key finding | All participants reported decreased pain with ketamine infusions. |
Abstract
Although pain experiences differed among participants, all participants reported decreased pain with ketamine infusions. Addressing the stigma associated with ketamine infusions, further research around augmenting durability of ketamine, and providing a safe treatment environment can all improve ketamine's benefit for chronic neuropathic pain. Understanding the barriers and facilitators, as well as implementing participant suggestions, will not only help inform our ketamine program but can improve access to pain management and facilitate future research in this field.