A study to develop and assess the value of a leaflet on pain control for cancer patients taking MST in the community

The aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which an information leaflet on controlled-release morphine (MST) and complementary methods of pain control can increase knowledge and thus increase pain relief for cancer patients taking MST at home. An information leaflet on MSTwas adapted and extended to include complementary methods of pain control. Pre- and postleaflet tape-recorded interviews and a pain diary were then used to monitor the effect of the leaflet on a sample of 15 patients. The results indicated that knowledge regarding pain control was significantly increased by the administration of the leaflet (p = 0.01). Pain control also appeared to increase for some patients as a result of the leaflet, and this seemed to be due to the increased knowledge and subsequent use of complementary methods of pain control (p = 0.05). The patients who benefited most from the study were those with moderate pain, because they needed the information and were able to actively use it. It is concluded that this information leaflet is beneficial to patients and should be used as an adjunct to verbal instructions.