Coaching to Improve Care of Cancer Pain

An estimate of 90% of patients with cancer experience at least moderate pain at some point in their illness, and 42% of patients do not receive adequate palliation. The main objective of this research is to reduce barriers to pain control by creating more effective partnerships between patients and their health care providers. The aims of the study are: 1) to compare the effects on pain, cancer-related symptoms, and health-related quality of life of a standard cancer pain leaflet versus face-to-face, tailored education and coaching; 2) to estimate the effect of tailored education and coaching on patients\' self confidence for managing their pain and participating actively in care; and 3) to examine the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of the intervention. The proposed model will enhance research on pain management in that it is a pilot-tested intervention that is applicable in the outpatient setting, based on Social Cognitive Theory, and focused on patient activation and education.