Knowledge and attitudes about cancer pain management: a comparison of oncology and nononcology nurses.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To obtain information about the knowledge and attitudes of Utah nurses concerning cancer pain management. DESIGN Descriptive study. SETTING Nurses in Utah. SAMPLE 44 oncology nurses and 303 nononcology nurses completed the study. METHODS Ferrell's Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain was given to oncology and nononcology nurses to compare knowledge and attitudes about treating cancer pain. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Knowledge and attitudes regarding cancer pain. FINDINGS Attitudes of oncology nurses were more in line with recommended practices (principles) of cancer pain management than those of nononcology nurses. Oncology nurses had a better understanding of recommended practices (principles) of cancer pain management than nononcology nurses but still struggled with understanding the pharmacology of medications used to manage cancer pain. CONCLUSIONS Nurses do not use evidence-based practice in pain management consistently. Continuing education regarding cancer pain management remains important for oncology and nononcology nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Adoption of evidence-based practice requires ongoing education of nurses and support from nursing colleagues, nursing administration, and associated healthcare providers. Data from this study can be used to design a curriculum involving content about cancer pain management. All members of the healthcare team should be supported in practicing the correct principles of cancer pain management in actual practice.