Awareness of Cancer Pain Management among Nurses in an Albanian Oncologic Hospital

Abstract

The doctor-patient percentage in Albania as said by World Health Organization (WHO). In 2013, this ratio was 1,2:1000 in contrast the average 1:600, although that of nurse-patient is enhanced, 1:40 compared to WHO standard of 1:6. Occurrence of cancer is universally increasing and the mainstream of the complex cases arise in the developing countries like Albania. Nurses engage in a significant position in efficient ache administration since they have further connection with patients in any healthcare location , appraise the pain and its collision on the patients and relatives, therefore commence acts to supervise the pain. This survey is intended at evaluating the phase of awareness of cancer pain administration between skilled nurses at Oncologic department of University Hospital Centre “Mother Theresa” in Albania. Materials and Methods: Qualified nurses who approved to participate in the survey were examined applying self-administered questionnaire. The surveys comprised 3 main parts that is (a) Demography, (b) Pain appraisal, (c) Cancer Ache administration. The degree of comprehension of cancer pain administration was subsequently evaluated from their reaction to the questionnaires. 63 nurses fulfilled the questionnaire. 54 (85.71%) were twofold trained. About 11 (17.4%) participants had supplementary official instruction in ache management. 50 (79.36) respondents provided right meaning of pain ;only 3 (3%) could confer a good explanation on the administration of cancer pain. 17 (26.9 %) of the participants could apply Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for ache estimation. Merely 12 (19%) could affirm the application of opioids in cancer pain administration. This survey exposed insufficient comprehension in cancer ache management between the nurses. To attain holistic care for cancer individuals in all health care settings, further preparation in pain management is needed.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n2p35