Appraisal of International Guidelines for Cancer Pain Management

Abstract

Purpose Given that healthcare professionals need to use relevant data bases to access and manage information that informs their practice, this paper reports on a review of processes within the development and use of international guidelines for pain management for cancer patients and considers the implications for nurse education and practice. Methods An integrative systematic approach to a review of the literature around the development and implementation of guidelines for pain management by nurses. Results The literature review reveals that using evidence from research to optimally perform the nursing role in pain management is essential. However, clear statements of the scope of nursing practice within formal guidelines are also necessary; problems about use of Evidence-based Guidelines (EBGs) stem from the lack of detail on the nursing contribution in the development and implementation of guidelines themselves and other factors/barriers impeding the application of guidelines to education and practice. Conclusion Nurses need to contribute to guideline development if they are to fully appreciate their role in pain management and consider the contribution to decision-making around learning processes aligned to nursing care. Clear evidence of the manner in which guidelines are developed and updated is necessary if they are to be seen as inclusive of all healthcare professionals.

Keywords

• cancer pain management
• evidence-based guidelines
• nursing