Nursing Interventions in Promoting Self-Management of Cancer Pain in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya

Abstract

Approximately 60% of cancer patients attending outpatients’ clinics experience severe unremitting pain hence self-management of cancer pain is critical. Nurses play an important role in treatment, pain management, and promotion of self-care of patients of cancer patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate nursing interventions in promoting self-management of cancer pain at Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya. This was a qualitative study that utilized case study approach. Data was collected in a period of six months whereby interviewer administered semi-structured interview guide with predetermined themes. On the assistance offered by the nurses in self-management of pain, each participant reported to assist their patients differently. The main intervention nurses used in supporting cancer patients in self-management of cancer pain were a multidisciplinary approach involving all the health care providers, pharmacological counselling and patient education. The study also concludes that nurses’ interventions in self-management of cancer can help improve patient outcomes and their quality of life. The study recommends that nurses should incorporate support for self-management of cancer pain in their daily practice with cancer patients. The concept of self-management should be promulgated in such a way that it entails a holistic management of symptoms. Healthcare personnel should initiate self-management of cancer pain at the early trajectory of the disease, at the first contact with the patients. Keywords: Nursing interventions, self-management of cancer pain, Bomet County