Enhancing Cancer Pain Self-Management: A Holistic Supporting Model.

Introduction: Pain self-management is crucial in reducing pain intensity and improving the quality of life for cancer patients. By acquiring self-management skills, patients can actively participate in managing their pain. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a grounded theory-based model to assist cancer patients in enhancing their pain self-management. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted in two stages from 2019 to 2021. The initial phase utilized a grounded theory approach to explore the process of pain self-management in cancer patients. Following Corbin and Strauss' analytical method, a grounded theory of pain management in cancer patients was identified. Subsequently, Walker and Avant's theory synthesis strategy was employed to construct a practical model that provides support for patients in managing their pain. Results: Within the conceptual framework, this study developed the "Holistic Supporting from Pain Self-Management" model. This supportive model consists of three main components: (1) enhancing pain self-management skills in cancer patients and their families, (2) empowering physicians and nurses in pain management for cancer patients, and (3) improving the organizational structure for pain management in cancer patients. Conclusion: The Holistic Supporting from Pain Self-Management model emphasizes the importance of addressing all dimensions of cancer pain, including physical, functional, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual aspects, to effectively manage pain in cancer patients. This model addresses the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system, aiming to enhance and support pain self-management.

Pain Self-management Strategies in Patients With Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

Successful pain management in patients with cancer is a significant challenge, and paying more attention to patients' experiences of pain self-management strategies has particular importance. This study aimed to explore pain self-management strategies in Iranian patients with cancer. This qualitative study was conducted on 14 patients with cancer. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed through the Graneheim and Lundman content analysis approach. Two main categories emerged from data analysis: (1) psychological pain self-management strategies, and (2) behavioral pain self-management strategies. Psychological strategies included pain distraction techniques, spiritual tendencies, increasing social interactions and support networks, pain tolerance and self-control, and resistance to pain. Behavioral strategies included massage and touch, heat and cold therapy, opium (Taryak in Persian) and tobacco use, herbal and home remedies, and proper diet.

Patients' Experiences of Cancer Pain: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the cancer pain experiences of Iranian patients. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design was used. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study was performed on 17 participants between December 2020 and September 2021. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed by Graneheim and Lundman's content analysis method. RESULTS: Three main categories emerged in relation to patients' experiences of cancer pain. Categories included (1) characteristics of cancer pain, (2) pain self-management strategies, and (3) influence of pain on patient and her/his family. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients believe that pain is God's will, and family members, doctors, and nurses can assist patients cope with pain by respecting this belief and supporting spiritual healing. Strengthening pain management strategies, expanding social networks, and convincing the patients that they are not an interruption to their families can all help patients maintain their fighting spirit and pain tolerance. To provide holistic care, healthcare providers, particularly nurses, should consider the physical, sociocultural, and spiritual aspects of cancer pain.

Barriers to cancer pain management from the perspective of patients: A qualitative study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to effective pain management in Iranian people with cancer. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design was used. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study was performed on 14 people with cancer. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed by Graneheim and Lundman's content analysis method. RESULTS: Four main categories emerged in relation to barriers to pain management from the perspective of people with cancer. Categories included 1) accepting and enduring divine pain, 2) negative attitudes towards the effectiveness of analgesics, 3) patients' low knowledge of pain self-management methods and 4) neglected pain management. Barriers to pain management are multidimensional in nature consisting of patients, healthcare providers and system components. Therefore, attempts should be focused on the education of patients and healthcare providers about pain management and eliminating the shortcomings of the healthcare system.