Using quality improvement methodology to improve neuropathic pain screening and assessment in patients with cancer.
BACKGROUND
Quality improvement methodology was used to improve neuropathic pain (NP) screening at a comprehensive cancer center.


METHODS
Nurses participated in educational sessions about screening and assessment. Clinical systems to facilitate documentation of NP severity scores were developed.


RESULTS
Pretest and posttest score results demonstrated nurse acquisition of new knowledge. A 90% NP screening adherence rate was achieved (N = 3831). Patients with no reported general pain (n = 291) were found to have moderate to severe NP.


CONCLUSIONS
Keys to success are (1) health care professional education and periodic reinforcement of learning and (2) system infrastructure changes.
Lavoie Smith
Ellen M
EM
Department Hematology/Oncology, One Medical Center Drive, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center/Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. Ellen.L.Smith@Hitchcock.org
Bakitas
Marie A
MA
Homel
Peter
P
Fadul
Camilo
C
Meyer
Louise
L
Skalla
Karen
K
Bookbinder
Marilyn
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D055815:Young Adult