Attitudes and knowledge about cancer pain in Flanders. The educational effect of workshops regarding pain and symptom control.

Despite international agreements and recommendations regarding cancer pain therapy, the effectiveness of pain treatment is still a major problem even in Western countries. Part of the problem is that physicians and nurses often lack knowledge of methods for the assessment and treatment of cancer pain and may have many rigid beliefs and attitudes. This study investigated the misconceptions of physicians and nurses that play a role in the undertreatment of pain in Flanders (Belgium). We approached 197 health care workers who participated in the pain and symptom control education sessions organized by the Federation Palliative Care Flanders, and asked them to complete a questionnaire both before and after the sessions. The impact of the education sessions on their knowledge and beliefs regarding the management of cancer pain was substantial. Methods of reaching the target groups that do not feel the need for further education are discussed.