Continuing education: a comprehensive approach to improving cancer pain management and patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To report on the development and outcomes of a comprehensive program to improve cancer pain management and patient satisfaction.

DATA SOURCES

Published research and guidelines, review articles, and patients' personal experiences.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A comprehensive cancer pain management program includes performance improvement, patient satisfaction, nursing education, and pain management rounds. This approach to pain can result in effective pain management, patients' reports of acceptable levels of pain, and an increase in patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Semiweekly pain management rounds provided the opportunity for nurses to practice equianalgesic dosing and make recommendations for changes in pain management. Effective pain management plans can lead to an increase in scores that measure patient satisfaction.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Nursing pain management education and subsequent use of pain management principles during and between pain management rounds can lead to effective pain management and satisfaction for patients with cancer. Research is needed to assess whether comprehensive programs can change pain management practices in other patient populations.