Thomas, M.L., Elliott, J.E., Rao, S.M., Fahey, K.F., Paul, S.M., & Miaskowski, C. (2012). A randomized, clinical trial of education or motivational-interviewing–based coaching compared to usual care to improve cancer pain management. Oncology Nursing Forum, 39(1), 39–49.
To test the effectiveness of two interventions, compared to usual care, in decreasing attitudinal barriers to cancer pain management, decreasing pain intensity, and improving functional status and quality of life (QoL)
Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, standardized education, or coaching. Patients in the education and coaching groups viewed a video and received a pamphlet about managing cancer pain. In addition, patients in the coaching group participated in four telephone sessions facilitated by an advanced practice nurse–interventionist who used motivational interviewing techniques to decrease attitudinal barriers to cancer pain management. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and at six weeks after the final telephone call. Authors used analysis of covariance to evaluate differences in study outcomes among the three groups.
Randomized clinical trial
Findings suggest that coaching may be beneficial to cancer pain management, especially as management relates to collaborative development of individualized care plans that decrease symptoms.
Focused sessions consisting of 30 minutes of motivational-interviewing coaching by an advanced practice nurse may improve the management of cancer pain and overall health outcomes.