Developing a computerized data collection and decision support system for cancer pain management

Contemporary nursing practice needs reengineering to deliver its service effectively and efficiently. Using computer technology to support clinicians' decision making may be a parsimonious way to provide high-quality, patient-centered, efficient care. The process of developing the PAINReportIt and PAINConsultN system is described, and the results of two pilot studies in which the system was tested are summarized. The feasibility of using the system to assess pain and provide decision support for clinicians is demonstrated. The findings show PAINReportIt to be promising as an effective, efficient way for patients to report their pain. Whether PAINConsultN is an effective answer to cancer pain management barriers warrants further evaluation with larger samples. The advantages of using the system, as compared with use of the traditional pain management process, are discussed.