Using quality improvement methodology to improve neuropathic pain screening and assessment in patients with cancer.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Quality improvement methodology was used to improve neuropathic pain (NP) screening at a comprehensive cancer center. METHODS: Nurses participated in educational sessions about screening and assessment. Clinical systems to facilitate documentation of NP severity scores were developed. RESULTS: Pretest and posttest score results demonstrated nurse acquisition of new knowledge. A 90% NP screening adherence rate was achieved (N = 3831). Patients with no reported general pain (n = 291) were found to have moderate to severe NP. CONCLUSIONS: Keys to success are (1) health care professional education and periodic reinforcement of learning and (2) system infrastructure changes.