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Knowledge of, attitudes toward, and barriers to pharmacologic management of cancer pain in a statewide random sample of nurses
Author(s) -
Vortherms Ruth,
Ryan Patrick,
Ward Sandra
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
research in nursing and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1098-240X
pISSN - 0160-6891
DOI - 10.1002/nur.4770150608
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer pain , test (biology) , family medicine , cancer , pain management , sample (material) , nursing , physical therapy , paleontology , chemistry , chromatography , biology
The knowledge of, attitudes toward, and perceived barriers to pharmacologic management of cancer pain were examined in a random statewide sample of nurses ( N = 790), using an 82‐item questionnaire. Although only 7% of the nurses reported working in oncology settings, 59% of the nurses reported having worked with patients with cancer in the last 6 months. The scores on the knowledge test ranged from 11% to 93% correct, with a mean percent correct of 56. 4% (+/‐ 0. 92). Nurses reported relatively liberal attitudes toward pain management, yet also reported believing that 22% of patients overreport pain. Results are discussed with respect to implications for practice and education.