The knowledge of, attitudes toward, and perceived barriers to pharmacologic management of cancer pain were examined in a random statewide sample of nurses (N = 790), using an 82-item questionnaire. Although only 7% of the nurses reported working in oncology settings, 59% of the nurses reported having worked with patients with cancer in the last 6 months. The scores on the knowledge test ranged from 11% to 93% correct, with a mean percent correct of 56.4% (+/- .92). Nurses reported relatively liberal attitudes toward pain management, yet also reported believing that 22% of patients over report pain. Results are discussed with respect to implications for practice and education.

1. Touch is an integral, yet under appreciated, aspect of nursing care. The language of touch includes the tactile symbols of duration, location, action, intensity, frequency, and sensation. 2. Touch is used in different ways: affectional, functional, protective, and non-physical (personal space). The need for touch does not lessen with age. In fact, it may increase due to loss of vision and hearing and increased personal and social isolation. 3. Nursing educators need to recognize the importance of nonverbal communication skills (ie, touch and personal space), and incorporate learning techniques into classroom and clinical experiences.

The knowledge of, attitudes toward, and perceived barriers to pharmacologic management of cancer pain were compared between oncology nurses (N = 128) and long-term care facility (LTCF) nurses (N = 72) using an 82-item questionnaire. The oncology nurses were significantly more knowledgeable about pharmacologic management of cancer pain than were the nurses in LTCFs. However, the two groups did not differ in their attitudes toward pain management, with the exception that nurses in LTCFs were more likely to believe that patients over-report their pain. LTCF nurses were more likely than the oncology nurses to believe that inadequate assessment of pain, lack of equipment, and lack of skills to use equipment were impediments to pain management.