PHYSICIAN KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ABOUT CANCER PAIN MANAGEMENT - A SURVEY FROM THE MINNESOTA CANCER PAIN PROJECT

The purposes of the study were to determine the knowledge and attitude s about cancer pain management (CPM) among practicing physicians in si x Minnesota communities and to deter?nine the physician-related barrie rs to optimal CPM. Eligible community physicians were surveyed by tele phone. The study analyzed responses of 145 physicians (response rate, 87%). The majority of the physicians were primary care specialists (73 %). Significant knowledge deficits were identified in nine of 14 CPM p rinciples, but innppropiate attitudes were found in only two of nine C PM concepts. Medical specialty had the strongest influence on knowledg e and attitudes, with primary care physicians having significantly bet ter outcomes than surgeons or medical subspecialists. Effective educat ion strategies must address knowledge deficits, attitudes, and motivat ions of the relevant peer group influencing physicians as well as thos e of individual physicians The Minnesota Cancer Pain Project is testin g strategies to enhance CPM by physicians and improve patient outcomes .