EFFECTS OF A PAIN PROGRAM ON NURSES PSYCHOSOCIAL, PHYSICAL AND RELAXATION INTERVENTIONS

The effectiveness of a continuing education programme on pain assessme nt and management was investigated in 106 surgical cancer nurses. It w as found that the programme led to a more positive attitude towards ph ysical and relaxation interventions (such as the use of relaxation, di straction and massage techniques). In addition, an increase in the dur ation and quality of psychosocial interventions (provision of informat ion, emotional support, and promotion of autonomy) was established. Fu rthermore, the programme resulted in an increase in the quality of phy sical and relaxation interventions. However, the programme did not lea d to more positive attitudes towards psychosocial interventions, or to increases in the numbers of psychosocial, physical and relaxation int erventions.