Persisting misconceptions of Belgian physicians and nurses about cancer pain treatment.
In Belgium palliative hospices, palliative support teams in hospitals and palliative home care are well-developed. The author gave a lecture about pain treatment in palliative care and inquired after the knowledge and attitudes of 28 nurses and 45 physicians. A questionnaire containing questions about morphine and cancer pain treatment was completed by the attendees before and after the session. In the initial questionnaire the care-providers' attitudes towards palliative care and symptom control were included also. The Wilcoxon test revealed a significant difference in knowledge between the physicians and nurses before the session (p = 0.007). Afterwards knowledge had improved in both groups (p = 0.007) but a difference still remained (p = 0.007). This study reveals that continued education is mandatory. An oral presentation seems not ideal; interactive training with practical exercises might be more appropriate.
Devulder
J
J
Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, België. Jacques.devulder@rug.ac.be
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001530:Belgium; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009726:Nurses; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010820:Physicians; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine