Original ArticleThe Pro-Self© Pain Control Program Improves Patients' Knowledge of Cancer Pain Management

ContextInadequate knowledge is one barrier to effective cancer pain management.ObjectivesThis study's aim was to evaluate the effects of a psychoeducational intervention (the Norwegian version of the PRO-SELF© Pain Control Program) compared with a control group in increasing patients' knowledge of cancer pain management.MethodsAdult oncology outpatients with pain from bone metastasis of 2.5 or greater on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale were randomized into the PRO-SELF (n = 87) or control (n = 92) groups. Patients completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pain Experience Scale (PES) at the beginning and end of the study to assess their knowledge and attitudes. The six-week intervention consisted of education, skills building, and nurse coaching. Mixed-model analyses with tests of a group × time interaction were done for each of the individual items and total PES scores to evaluate between-group differences in changes in knowledge over time.ResultsExcept for functional status, no differences were found between the PRO-SELF and control groups on any baseline demographic, clinical, or pain characteristics. Significant group × time interactions were found for all the single item and total PES scores. Compared with the control group, patients in the PRO-SELF group had significant increases in knowledge scores.ConclusionThe use of a knowledge and attitude survey, like the PES, as part of a psychoeducational intervention provides an effective foundation for patient education in cancer pain management. This individualized approach to education about pain management may save staff time and improve patient outcomes.