Pain Experience and Expectations in Oncological Outpatient and Their Caregivers: Phenomenological Study.

PURPOSE: To identify the pain experiences of cancer patients and the expectations of patients and caregivers in relation to pain management.

DESIGN

Phenomenological qualitative study.

METHODS

We used convenience sampling to recruit patients who had experienced pain level ≥4 according to the Numeric Rating Scale and their caregivers. The interview script was developed from the Nursing Outcomes Classification. We conducted a narrative analysis of the content.

RESULTS

Eleven participants (eight patients and three caregivers) were included. The results were grouped into three main themes: 1) the experience of pain: the description and consequences of pain on participants' lives, and the meaning it has for patients and caregivers; 2) pain management: pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management, the support of friends and family, and the lack of references and empowerment in pain management), and 3) expectations: communication with professionals, care by nurses, and pain relief and support.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants' oncological pain was intense, persistent and complex. Outpatient management of pain was difficult and was conditioned by the knowledge of patients and caregivers, but also by the professional's degree of experience. Nurses should be trained in the evaluation and management of oncological pain, so that they can educate patients and caregivers.