Pain assessment and management in surgical cancer patients: pilot and evaluation of a continuing education program

In a pilot study, a continuing education program on pain assessment and management was implemented and evaluated. Questionnaires were completed by the nurse participants at the beginning, the end, and 2 months after the end of the pilot program. After the pilot program, participants reported having engaged in qualitatively improved psychosocial pain-reducing interventions. Findings from the pilot study were used to develop a definitive program and questionnaires of a larger intervention study. This article illustrates the usefulness of initially conducting research on a small-scale basis.