Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyRandomized clinical trial of an intensive nursing-based pain education program for cancer outpatients suffering from pain.
The prevalence of pain in patients with cancer is still too high. Factors relating to ineffective pain treatment fall into three categories: the health care system, professional care providers, and patients. In patients, various barriers lead to noncompliance. Previous educational interventions have increased their knowledge of pain and decreased short-term pain levels. In this randomized controlled trial, the authors investigated how an intensive home-based education program given by nurses affected short-term and long-term pain levels. ⋯ The PEP given by nurses lowered pain intensity levels in cancer patients and increased their knowledge of pain. More attention should be paid to patient education and to communication between patients and health professionals regarding pain and pain management.