Cancer-Related Pain Assessment Monitoring the effectiveness of interventions

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related pain is a major health problem because of its magnitude, the subjective nature of the pain experience, and the complexity of the disease, making it difficult to assess and control. When assessment is not performed, poor pain control can result. OBJECTIVES: This article provides an overview of the components of a comprehensive cancer pain assessment. METHODS: A review of the healthcare literature was performed. FINDINGS: Nurses play a key role in pain assessment by establishing patient trust and rapport, which helps to break down barriers that may stand in the way of effective pain assessment and management.