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 attitudes about cancer pain management (CPM) among practicing physicians in six Minneasota communities and to determine the physician-related barriers to optimal CPM. Eligible community physicians were surveyed by telephone. The study ana...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pain and symptom management 1995-10, Vol.10 (7), p.494-504
Main Authors: Elliott, Thomas E., Murray, David M., Elliott, Barbara A., Braun, Barbara, Oken, Martin M., Johnson, Karen M., Post-White, Janice, Lichtblau, Leonard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
analgesia
Analgesics
Bioethics
Biological and medical sciences
Cancer pain
Clinical Competence
Data Collection
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Medical sciences
Minnesota
narcotic analgesic
Neoplasms - complications
Neuropharmacology
pain control
Pain Management
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
physician education
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Summary:The purposes of the study were to determine the knowledge and attitudes about cancer pain management (CPM) among practicing physicians in six Minneasota communities and to determine the physician-related barriers to optimal CPM. Eligible community physicians were surveyed by telephone. 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 principles, but inappropriate attitudes were found in only two of nine CPM concepts. Medical specially had the strongest influence on knowledge and attitudes, with primary care physicians having significantly better outcomes than surgeons or medical subspecialists. Effective education strategies must address knowledge deficits, attitudes, and motivations of the relevant per group influencing physicians, as well as those of individual physicians. The Minnesota Cancer Pain Project is testing strategies to enhance CPM by physicians and improve patient outcomes.
ISSN:0885-3924
1873-6513
DOI:10.1016/0885-3924(95)00100-D