Yildirim, Y.K., Cicek, F., & Uyar, M. (2009). Effects of pain education program on pain intensity, pain treatment satisfaction, and barriers in Turkish cancer patients. Pain Management Nursing, 10, 220–228.
To investigate the effect of a pain education program on pain intensity, satisfaction with pain treatment, and barriers to pain management
Patients were randomly assigned to a group that received the education program or to a control group. Patients in the education group received written materials and an educational slide program. They received a booklet covering the same content as the other components. Content included the definition of pain; a list of its causes; discussion of pain-related pharmacologic treatment, side effects, myths, and misconceptions (e.g., misconceptions about addiction, drug dependence, tolerance); noncompliance; and nonpharmacologic pain treatment and pain assessment. The initial session took 30–40 minutes and was provided to each patient individually, in his or her hospital room. The education session was repeated after three and seven days, as needed. Patients in the control group received standard care and answers to relevant questions but did not receive specialized education. Assessments were done at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, and 8.
Phase of treatment: active treatment
Randomized controlled study
Pain education was helpful in reducing pain intensity; education improved satisfaction with pain management and reduced barriers to pain management.
Findings suggest that pain education is effective at reducing pain intensity, increasing patient satisfaction, and reducing barriers to pain management. Specifically addressing misconceptions about analgesic use and the need to communicate regarding the pain experience can be expected to help reduce barriers to effective pain management by means of analgesics. Patients' active involvement in their own pain management can improve the quality of this aspect of care.