Necessity of pain management education for cancer patients' families: a literatures

ABSTRACT

To enhance the quality of life for cancer patients, it is required that choice and useage of appropriate medications for their symptoms, as well as providing education for patients and their family members be provided. The purpose of this article was to examine the effectiveness of cancer pain management education through a literature review. From a search of key medical databases, potential articles regarding cancer pain management were retrieved. From a thorough literatures review, we found six important trends (1) discordance of cancer patients and their families pain reports; (2) family perception regarding cancer pain; (3) family's concerns about cancer pain management; (4) family member's role in cancer pain management; (5) helpful resources about cancer pain management and (6) educational programs for cancer patient's family. Further research regarding educational programs for family members is required for improving cancer pain management.