The knowledge and attitudes of experience oncology nurses regarding the management of cancer-related pain.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the knowledge and attitudes of North Carolina nurses toward the management of cancer-related pain. The analysis focused on knowledge, attitude, and perception of barriers to pain management.


METHODS
Exploratory, descriptive.


METHODS
North Carolina.


METHODS
A survey of 1,400 RNs were stratified by educational background and Area Health Education Center regions of the state; the response rate was 24%.


METHODS
An adapted version of The Wisconsin Pain Initiative Survey mailed to participants.


METHODS
Nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and perception of perceived barriers to managing cancer-related pain.


RESULTS
Nurses who have cared for patients with cancer are more knowledgeable and have more liberal attitudes toward pain management from nurses who have not cared for patients with cancer. North Carolina nurses report knowledge and perception of barriers to pain management similar to those of Wisconsin nurses.


CONCLUSIONS
The experience of caring for patients who have cancer and pain influences nurses to report more liberal attitudes toward pain management.


CONCLUSIONS
Although nurses report increased knowledge of pain management in general, deficits continue to exist. Further research is needed to more fully understand the effect of educational and experience on practice.
O'Brien
S
S
University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals, Chapel Hill, USA.
Dalton
J A
JA
Konsler
G
G
Carlson
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009657:North Carolina; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010146:Pain / Q000451:nursing*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000451:nursing*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010348:Patient Care Team
D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid