Pain management of the patient with cancer in the homecare setting.

Abstract

Patients with cancer can experience pain because of disease progression or as a side effect of treatment. Pain management is one aspect of cancer care that management in the home, rather than the hospital, may be a more ideal and cost-effective setting. Potential barriers to pain management are explored, and pain management skills, such as assessment and equianalgesic dosing, are reviewed. The hospital- or community-based nurse is provided with the basic knowledge to plan or participate in the care of cancer patients with pain in the homecare setting.