The Assessment of Breakthrough Cancer Pain
The Assessment of Breakthrough Cancer Pain
Rustøen T, Geerling JI, Pappa T, et al
Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2013;17:402-407
Breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) affects a significant proportion of patients with cancer, with estimates ranging from as low as 20% to as high as 100%. Several different definitions of this phenomenon are found in the literature, likely contributing to the huge variation in estimates of prevalence. One fact that is not in dispute is that growing percentages of patients, particularly those receiving palliative care, report BTCP. BTCP is hard to evaluate and diagnose because there are no readily available, easily used tools that allow patients and clinicians to distinguish BTCP from background pain and assess its severity and associated symptoms. Yet, nurses must make exactly these kinds of determinations if they are to successfully manage their patients' pain.
The purpose of this study, conducted in 12 European countries, was to explore the ways that nurses assess BTCP, including the use of assessment tools, and their perception of the effect of BTCP on patients' quality of life. The survey tool was developed by experts chosen by the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) who relied on their clinical experience, a literature review, and input from a multidisciplinary advisory board (also chosen by EONS). The reliability and validity of the final 36-item questionnaire was not provided. Questions elicited demographic information from participants as well as the respondents' experience with cancer patients, knowledge of pain management, experience with BTCP, strategies for assessing pain, and confidence in managing pain. EONS hosted the survey on its Website and recruited participants through relevant nursing organizations in the 12 nations. Actual recruitment strategies varied by country.
How Nurses Assess Breakthrough Cancer Pain, and the Impact of This Pain on Patients' Daily Lives -- Results of a European Survey
Rustøen T, Geerling JI, Pappa T, et al
Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2013;17:402-407
Breakthrough Cancer Pain
Breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) affects a significant proportion of patients with cancer, with estimates ranging from as low as 20% to as high as 100%. Several different definitions of this phenomenon are found in the literature, likely contributing to the huge variation in estimates of prevalence. One fact that is not in dispute is that growing percentages of patients, particularly those receiving palliative care, report BTCP. BTCP is hard to evaluate and diagnose because there are no readily available, easily used tools that allow patients and clinicians to distinguish BTCP from background pain and assess its severity and associated symptoms. Yet, nurses must make exactly these kinds of determinations if they are to successfully manage their patients' pain.
Study Summary
The purpose of this study, conducted in 12 European countries, was to explore the ways that nurses assess BTCP, including the use of assessment tools, and their perception of the effect of BTCP on patients' quality of life. The survey tool was developed by experts chosen by the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) who relied on their clinical experience, a literature review, and input from a multidisciplinary advisory board (also chosen by EONS). The reliability and validity of the final 36-item questionnaire was not provided. Questions elicited demographic information from participants as well as the respondents' experience with cancer patients, knowledge of pain management, experience with BTCP, strategies for assessing pain, and confidence in managing pain. EONS hosted the survey on its Website and recruited participants through relevant nursing organizations in the 12 nations. Actual recruitment strategies varied by country.