Evidence‐based practice for pain management for cancer patients in an acute care setting

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to implement an evidence utilization project using an audit and feedback approach to improve cancer pain management. A three-phased audit and feedback approach was used. A 46-bed oncology nursing unit in the university's cancer centre was selected as a research site. Nursing records extracted from 137 patients (65 for the baseline assessment and 72 for the follow-up audit) were used to examine nurse compliance with four audit criteria derived from best practice guidelines related to the assessment and management of pain. We observed a significant improvement in compliance from baseline to follow-up for the following criteria: documenting the side effects of opioids (2-83%), use of a formalized pain assessment tool (22-75%), and providing education for pain assessment and management to patients and caregivers (0-47%). The audit and feedback method was applicable to the implementation of clinical practice guidelines for cancer pain management. Leadership from both administrative personnel and staff nurses working together contributes to the spread of an evidence-based practice culture in clinical settings. As it was conducted in a single oncology nursing unit and was implemented over a short period of time, the results should be carefully interpreted.

Using a mixed methods approach to explore factors associated with evidence-based cancer pain management practice among nurses

“…Educational strategies in combination with best practice champions, audit and feedback, or nursing rounds have shown success in improving oncology nurses’ implementation of pain management clinical practice guidelines. 35–37 Computerized decisional support systems and pain consultation services also improve oncology nurses’ EBPM practice. 1 …”

Evidence For The Cancer Patients’ Pain Management: An Integrative Review

“…Among the interventions that were made in the studies, 5 (26.3%) evaluated Educational Programs, which include the implementation of scales and other features that allow a better assessment and management of pain [11,13,15,17,19]; 2 (10.5%) implemented evidence-based educational interventions, which include focus groups and application of guidelines with the professionals [18,20]; 2 (10.5%) applied cognitive-behavioral interventions, with a focus on understanding the nature of symptoms and improving the ability to control the symptoms [14,16]; and 1 (5.2%) applied daily pain management journals [12]. Table 2 highlights the main outcomes related to the studies included in the review.…”

Nursing Sensitive Outcomes in People with Oncological Diasease

“…Control of pain and other associated symptoms are recognized as a nursing sensitive outcomes by the Oncology Nursing Society [12]. The literature points to several gains for patient with oncological disease, in different levels: symptom control, functional status, adverse effects control, effective coping strategies, self-care, health service utilization and mortality, that where strongly associated to the nursing care.…”