nursingmanagement.org

Volume 11 Issue 8

Training Proposal in Palliative Care for Primary Care Nurses in a Health Area in Spain

Isidro García-Salvador,Encarna Chisbert-Alapont,Amparo Antonaya Campos,Jorge Casaña Mohedo,Clara Hurtado Navarro,Silvia Fernández Peris,José Bonías López andMaria Luisa De la Rica Escuín
1ciTechCare, Rua de Santo André–66-68, Campus 5, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal
2Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), 3004-011 Coimbra, Portugal
3School of Health Sciences of Polytechnic of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal

Abstract

Background: The sanitary measures imposed by COVID-19 intensified challenges in the pain management of cancer patients. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in a chronic pain unit of an oncological hospital aiming to explore the experiences of cancer patients with chronic pain and their caregivers during the pandemic period, as well as identify strategies to improve care in chronic pain management. An electronic questionnaire was developed containing sociodemographic variables, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, and open-ended questions exploring the experiences and circumstances of pain management. Results: A total of 30 patients and 13 caregivers filled in the questionnaire. Patients revealed a higher level of depression, anxiety, and stress than caregivers, without statistically significant differences. Both groups mentioned having experienced difficulties in self-care, particularly in relation to sleep, nutrition, and recreation. In total, 83.7% patients needed pain relief medication related to uncontrolled pain. Both mentioned that they would have benefited from a digital application to ease the communication with the healthcare professionals of the chronic pain unit, as well as non-pharmacological interventions, such as therapeutic massage. Conclusions: Recognizing that chronic pain leads to significant limitations, it is essential to implement and anticipate objective and effective responses in pain management.
Keywords: COVID-19; chronic pain; patient; caregivers; oncology; anxiety; depression; stress