The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the performance of cancer pain management among nurses in an oncology unit. Methods: The participants of this study were nurses working in an oncology unit at an oncology hospital located in Busan city. Data was collected between January 10 and February 10, 2018 from questionnaire responses received 101 nurses. Measures used for this study assessed knowledge and attitudes toward cancer pain management, patient-centered care, and the performance of cancer pain management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, a one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Performance of cancer pain management was significantly correlated with knowledge (r=.21, p=.032), attitudes toward cancer pain management (r=.21, p=.034), and patient-centered care (r=.33, p=.001). In addition, performance of cancer pain management was influenced by knowledge of cancer pain management (β=.27, p=.008), patient-centered care (β=.33, p=.001), and working in the surgery department (β=.24, p=.012). The explanatory power of this model was 29.3%. Conclusion: These results suggest the need for programs to improve patient-centered care, and continual education on cancer pain management guidelines, in order to provide organized and effective pain management.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of direct interhospital transfers (IHTs) of patients with acute aortic syndrome (AAS) led by advanced practice nurses (APNs). Methods : From September 2014 to June 2017, the study retrospectively investigated 183 patients with AAS who were transferred to a high-volume tertiary hospital. Results : One hundred forty-eight (81%) patients were admitted through direct IHTs, and 35 (19%) patients were admitted through non-direct IHTs. The direct IHT group had a significantly shorter time from symptom onset to hospital arrival than the non-direct IHT group (11.4 vs. 32.1 h, p=.043). There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes, such as peri-transfer status, mortality, hospital length of stay, and readmission, between the two groups. In the direct IHT group, 55% of transfers were led by APNs. There was no significant difference in outcomes between APN-and physician-led transfers. Conclusions : Implementation of direct IHTs markedly shortened the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival in patients with AAS. Finally, direct IHTs can potentially improve the outcomes of patients with AAS, a condition with time-dependent mortality and morbidity. In addition, APNs can effectively lead the direct IHT of patients with AAS.

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