Abstract:
Objective To understand the recognition status of cancer pain in basic medical staff from small towns to provide the basis for the improvement of cancer pain management in these areas.
Methods The medical staff of Hengjiang Town and subordinate villages was selected. The study area is situated in southwest China. Centralized questionnaires regarding cancer pain were collected and analyzed. A program and education of cancer pain were provided for these medical workers.
Results The medical staff from Hengjiang asserted that only 17% of cancer pain patients receive treatments. Approximately 70% of the medical staff did not consider the popularization and explanation of cancer pain treatment in their patients. Approximately 64% of the medical staff was not familiar with standardized cancer pain control, 87% did not believe that narcotics could suffice the need of patients, and 44% did not participate in the training for cancer pain control.
Conclusion The medical staff in Hengjiang possesses less knowledge on the importance of cancer pain. Hence, further training is necessary. The specific management of cancer pain as a part of community chronic diseases is mandatory.