Update on the cancer pain role model education program.

Application of traditional educational methods has done little to improve cancer pain management in the United States. This report details the results of the first year of the expanded Wisconsin Cancer Pain Initiative Role Model Program, a novel approach to cancer pain education. One hundred and ninety-six physicians and nurse educators together with their clinical partners attended one of three role model conferences in 1992-1993 and developed Action Plans detailing their proposed educational goals. Results indicate that participants demonstrated significant improvement in cancer pain knowledge as a result of the 1-day conference. Within 12 months of the conference, 64% of Role Model teams completely or partially met their Action Plan goals. In total, 227 educational or clinical practice projects were completed. The Cancer Pain Role Model Program represents an excellent educational program for disseminating cancer pain information and instituting positive changes in clinical practice.