Using quality improvement methodology to improve neuropathic pain screening and assessment in patients with cancer

Background. Quality improvement methodology was used to improve neuropathic pain (NP) screening at a comprehensive cancer center. Methods. Nurses participated in educational sessions about screening and assessment. Clinical systems to facilitate documentation of NP severity scores were developed. Results. Pretest and posttest score results demonstrated nurse acquisition of new knowledge. A 90% NP screening adherence rate was achieved (N=3831). Patients with no reported general pain (n=291) were found to have moderate to severe NP. Conclusions. Keys to success are (1) health care professional education and periodic reinforcement of learning and (2) system infrastructure changes.