A structured nondrug intervention program for cancer pain

The management of cancer pain has been a primary focus in the authors' program of oncology nursing research. A study currently in progress entitled, "Assessment and Management of Pain for Elderly Cancer Patients at Home," applies knowledge of the authors' earlier work in an educational nursing intervention for patients with cancer and their family care-givers in the home. The program consists of three parts: (1) an overview of pain, (2) pharmacologic management of pain, and (3) nondrug interventions for pain. The nondrug component of this program is particularly unique in providing structured implementation of nonpharmacologic techniques, which are often neglected in pain management. Five categories of nondrug intervention are used including heat, cold, massage/vibration, distraction, and relaxation. The purpose of this article is to report on the development and initial results of the nondrug portion of a pain education program.