Measurement issues in the comprehensive assessment of cancer pain.

OBJECTIVES

To examine issues related to the assessment of pain, symptoms and functional status in patients with cancer and the timing of assessment and appropriate tools to collect this information.

DATA SOURCES

Review articles, research studies book chapters, and government guidelines pertaining to measurement issues in the assessment of cancer pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Each component of the measurement process (ie, choice of an instrument to measure pain, timing and frequency of measurement measurement of symptoms accompanying pain or its treatment, and measurement of functional status) is important in developing an accurate and comprehensive assessment of cancer pain. This comprehensive assessment is a prerequisite to effective pain management.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

For pain to be evaluated and treated effectively, regular consistent assessment of pain by the clinician is imperative. This comprehensive assessment allows the clinician to choose modalities most likely to work for the individual patient.