title: Barriers in the management of cancer-related pain and strategies to overcome them: findings of a qualitative research involving physicians and nurses in Italy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There are many barriers and obstacles that even today lead to an inadequate treatment of cancer-related pain. The aim is to describe the experiences of a group of Italian physicians and nurses as far as the nature of these barriers is concerned and the possible tools to be used to overcome them.
  
  
  METHODS
  We run 5 focus groups with 42 healthcare professionals (11 physicians, 31 nurses) working in 5 hospitals in Italy. The findings of the focus groups were analysed according to the "Content Analysis" method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five main items emerged: the importance of communication, the need for education regarding pain therapy, the ethnic/cultural/religious differences, the mutual trust and support within the working group, the daily challenges.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In harmony with the most recent literature, physicians and nurses voice above all their need for an education more directly aimed at overcoming the prevailing barriers rooted in ignorance, prejudice and fears.
authors: Cesarina
authors: C
authors: Prandi
authors: Lorenza
authors: L
authors: Garrino
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Mastromarino
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Torino
authors: Ercole
authors: E
authors: Vellone
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Peruselli
authors: Rosaria
authors: R
authors: Alvaro
mesh_terms: D000072716:Cancer Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D003469:Culture; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D009726:Nurses; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010820:Physicians; D036301:Qualitative Research