Basic science research in pain

Pain is not simply a physiologic event, but a dynamic process that involves continuous interaction among complex systems. Nurses have the unique disciplinary background to envision the pain process within the context of the whole dynamic human being. Understanding the human condition in this holistic manner prepares nurses to develop clinically relevant research questions. Many of these research questions can best be answered initially through basic science research. Basic science research by a nurse will be distinct from other disciplines from the inception of the hypothesis through the conclusions drawn to the delineation of areas for further research. This article provides a few examples of basic science research in the area of pain by nurse researchers. The research includes both cellular and animal models and describes the relationship of the research to clinical practice. Patient care will ultimately benefit from clinically relevant research whether the methodology used is basic science or other methods.