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Using focus group methods to develop multicultural cancer pain education materials.
K E Lasch1, G Wilkes, L M Montuori
1Health Institute, Division of Clinical Care Research, New England Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 750 Washington Street, Box 345, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Summary
Culturally sensitive cancer pain education empowers diverse patients and families. This program developed a booklet to improve cancer pain management for underserved minority groups.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Disparities
- Health Education
Background:
- Effective cancer pain management methods have existed for over two decades, yet many patients still experience inadequate pain control.
- Existing efforts often overlook the specific needs of inner-city, low-literacy, and socioeconomically disadvantaged minority populations.
- Addressing cancer pain requires culturally competent and linguistically appropriate educational interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate cancer pain education booklet for diverse ethnic groups.
- To empower patients and families to actively participate in cancer pain management.
- To create a resource for clinicians to use as a teaching tool.
Main Methods:
- Collaborative development of an educational booklet from 1992 to 1995.
- Utilized focus group methods with community representatives from 11 ethnic groups.
- Employed qualitative data analysis of focus group transcripts to identify themes.
Main Results:
- A cancer pain education booklet was created in 11 languages for 11 ethnic groups.
- Focus groups revealed themes related to culturally competent pain management and the development process.
- The developed materials aimed to enhance patient and family engagement in pain management discussions with healthcare providers.
Conclusions:
- Culturally tailored educational materials are crucial for improving cancer pain management in underserved populations.
- Community collaboration and focus group methodology are effective for developing culturally sensitive health information.
- Empowering patients and families through education can lead to more equitable cancer pain care.