Knowledge and Attitude toward Cancer Pain Management: Clinical Nurses Versus Doctors

Purpose: This study is purposed to provide basic data needed in constructing the educational contents about cancer pain management for the health care professionals. Methods: This study surveyed the degree of knowledge in cancer pain management of clinical nurses and doctors. Subjects were clinical 143 nurses and 88 doctors in 3 cities. The tool used are 32-item scale for evaluation of health care professionals' knowledge modified by Kim(1997), which was originally developed by McCaffery and Ferrel(1995). Results: The level of the health care professionals' knowledge about and attitude toward pain management were insufficient. The level of the doctors' knowledge and attitude showed higher score than those of the nurses'. The knowledge of health professional who were not hesitated to administrate analgesia was showed more higher than who were hesitated to do. Conclusion: Nurses need more knowledge and effective attitude toward cancer pain management. Various and sufficient educational program about cancer pain management can be contribute to improve the nursing quality of cancer pain.