title: Knowledge of, attitudes toward, and barriers to pharmacologic management of cancer pain in a statewide random sample of nurses.
abstract: The knowledge of, attitudes toward, and perceived barriers to pharmacologic management of cancer pain were examined in a random statewide sample of nurses (N = 790), using an 82-item questionnaire. Although only 7% of the nurses reported working in oncology settings, 59% of the nurses reported having worked with patients with cancer in the last 6 months. The scores on the knowledge test ranged from 11% to 93% correct, with a mean percent correct of 56.4% (+/- .92). Nurses reported relatively liberal attitudes toward pain management, yet also reported believing that 22% of patients over report pain. Results are discussed with respect to implications for practice and education.
authors.affiliation: Minnesota Valley Medical Associated Clinic, LeSueur.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vortherms
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014922:Wisconsin