Pain management in home care.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of pain management of the cancer patient in the home setting, including assessment, planning and implementation of care and evaluation if interventions.


METHODS
Review articles, research studies, and book chapters pertaining to pain management.


CONCLUSIONS
A major concern of cancer patients and caregivers is their ability to control the pain at home. With competent, consistent care, 24-hour access, and working in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, nurses can be a decisive force in maintaining patient, comfort, supporting and educating the patient and caregiver at home and preventing rehospitalization for pain control.


CONCLUSIONS
The goal of achieving effective pain control is one of the greatest challenges facing the home, care nurse. Meeting this challenge can decrease patients' suffering and relieve caregivers' stress.
Magrum
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LC
Visiting Nurse Association of Northern Virginia, Fairfax 22030, USA.
Bentzen
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Landmark
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D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D000700:Analgesics