Barriers in the management of cancerrelated pain and strategies to overcome them: findings of a  qualitative research involving physicians and nurses in Italy

Cesarina Prandi, Lorenza Garrino, Francesco Torino, Ercole Vellone, Carlo Peruselli, Rosaria Alvaro

Keywords: cancer pain, pain management, education barrier, èquipe

Introduction and aims. There are many barriers and obstacles that even today lead to

an inadequate treatment of cancer-related pain. The aim is to describe the experiences of

a group of Italian physicians and nurses as far as the nature of these barriers is concerned

and the possible tools to be used to overcome them.

Material and method. We run 5 focus groups with 42 healthcare professionals (11 physicians,

31 nurses) working in 5 hospitals in Italy. The findings of the focus groups were

analysed according to the “Content Analysis” method.

Results. Five main items emerged: the importance of communication, the need for education

regarding pain therapy, the ethnic/cultural/religious differences, the mutual trust

and support within the working group, the daily challenges.

Conclusion. In harmony with the most recent literature, physicians and nurses voice

above all their need for an education more directly aimed at overcoming the prevailing

barriers rooted in ignorance, prejudice and fears.