Quality improvement of painful peripheral neuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To use quality improvement methodology to improve the assessment and treatment of neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy-related nerve injury.


METHODS
Review and research articles, assessment scales, and textbooks.


CONCLUSIONS
Assessment and treatment algorithms improved peripheral neuropathy-related pain scores. Patient satisfaction with medication effectiveness decreased over time. Medication costs increased, but specialist-referral costs decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurse-led quality improvement work can lead to positive changes in clinical practice.
Smith
Ellen Lavoie
EL
Departments of Thoracic Oncology and Palliative Care, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
Whedon
Marie Bakitas
MB
Bookbinder
Marilyn
M
D000465:Algorithms; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy