Ellen Lavoie Smith1, Marie Bakitas Whedon, Marilyn Bookbinder. 1. Departments of Thoracic Oncology and Palliative Care, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To use quality improvement methodology to improve the assessment and treatment of neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy-related nerve injury. DATA SOURCES: Review and research articles, assessment scales, and textbooks. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment and treatment algorithms improved peripheral neuropathy-related pain scores. Patient satisfaction with medication effectiveness decreased over time. Medication costs increased, but specialist-referral costs decreased. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurse-led quality improvement work can lead to positive changes in clinical practice.
OBJECTIVES: To use quality improvement methodology to improve the assessment and treatment of neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy-related nerve injury. DATA SOURCES: Review and research articles, assessment scales, and textbooks. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment and treatment algorithms improved peripheral neuropathy-related pain scores. Patient satisfaction with medication effectiveness decreased over time. Medication costs increased, but specialist-referral costs decreased. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurse-led quality improvement work can lead to positive changes in clinical practice.
Authors: Ellen M Lavoie Smith; Marie A Bakitas; Peter Homel; Camilo Fadul; Louise Meyer; Karen Skalla; Marilyn Bookbinder Journal: J Cancer Educ Date: 2009 Impact factor: 1.771