How do global policy frameworks address the ethics of pain management? A qualitative content analysis of WHO and WMA documents

Objectives To examine how the WHO and the World Medical Association (WMA) frame bioethical principles and address implementation barriers in their pain management policies, providing insights for global health policy and ethical analysis. Design Qualitative content analysis of international policy documents using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research to ensure methodological transparency and analytical rigour.

Data sources Analysis of publicly available policy documents produced by the WHO and WMA between January 2000 and December 2024. Eligibility criteria Documents addressing pain management with ethical content, current and not superseded (n=18 from 314 screened).

Data extraction and synthesis 18 policy documents were retrieved through relevance screening and analysed with reference to ethical values and systemic constraints using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2022. Thematic coding identified ethical principles, structural barriers and strategic policy directions shaping global pain management frameworks.

Results Nine ethical principles underpin global pain management policies, including human rights-based access, professional duty to relieve suffering and equitable care. Seven major barriers, such as regulatory restrictions, educational deficiencies and systemic inequities, hinder implementation.

Five policy directions were identified to bridge principles and practice.