Keywords

cancer, pain management, pain control, patient, patient perception, caregiver

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study measured the perceptions of Utah cancer patients and cargivers concerning knowledge about and adequacy of pharmacologic cancer pain control. METHODS: A descriptive survey was used. Questionnaires were sent to cancer patients and caregivers surveying their knowledge about and perceptions of the adequacy of pharmacologic cancer pain control. RESULTS: The study had a 52% response rate (259 of 500). Eighty five percent (219 of 259) of the respondents stated they had no cancer pain. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Cancer literature indicated that much cancer pain is not effectively controlled. The majority of the respondents of this study reported no pain. Since this result is different than that reported by the literature, it may indicate an inability of the study to obtain data from those patients having cancer pain. The study should be repeated with a focused population of advanced stage cancer patients with types of cancer typically producing high levels of cancer pain.

Original Publication Citation

Rushton, P. & Brown, S. (1999) Patient and care giver perceptions of cancer pain control. Cancer Practice Sept/Oct, 7(5) P. 257-261.