Development of a cancer pain management learning module for registered nurses in palliative home care

Fleming, Gina C. (2017) Development of a cancer pain management learning module for registered nurses in palliative home care. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: There has been a recent shift to provide cancer treatments in outpatient settings, which presents challenges for patients and healthcare providers to achieve optimal pain management. Pain is the most feared symptom of newly diagnosed cancer patients and it is the most common symptom experienced by patients with advanced cancer. Despite extensive advances in treatments and research, cancer patients continue to be undertreated for pain. Purpose: To develop an introductory learning module for new Registered Nurses (RNs) to the palliative home care program. Increasing nurses’ knowledge of cancer pain management will improve patient outcomes by enabling nurses to assess and interpret relevant clinical findings. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to identify content for the learning module. Interviews were conducted with the Medical Director and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and a focus group was facilitated with four RNs to identify content and explore barriers related to cancer pain management. Ethical approval was obtained from the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) Research Ethic Board (REB) prior to the colleague consultation process. Results: A learning module was developed based on findings from the literature and colleague consultations. Conclusion: A comprehensive learning module has been developed for new Palliative Home Care Registered Nurses (RNs). The learning module will be forwarded to the Program Director of Palliative Care Services as a learning resource for nursing orientation.

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