Aim: This study aimed to clarify nurses’ perceptions of the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer according to their affiliation. Methods: This study used a self-administered questionnaire survey to determine nurses’ perceptions of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer and compared the results by affiliation (general ward, outpatient, and palliative care unit). The survey was completed by nurses from 11 facilities in Okinawa Prefecture. Results: Responses were obtained from 448 nurses (response rate: 51.6%). The results showed significant differences (p<.001) among nurses in palliative care units (78.9%), and general wards (62.6%) and outpatient settings (34.8%) regarding the belief that their breakthrough pain management was under control. The frequency of involvement with patients with cancer experiencing breakthrough pain was higher among nurses in palliative care units, and lower among nurses in general wards and outpatient settings, suggesting that this may influence perceptions of breakthrough pain control. Conclusions: Perceptions of control over breakthrough pain differed by clinical affiliation, suggesting that the frequency of involvement with patients cancer and nursing experience may have an influence. These results highlight the need to improve the educational system for nurses on the management of breakthrough pain based on their affiliation.

Aim: This study aimed to clarify nurses’ perceptions of the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer according to their affiliation. Methods: This study used a self-administered questionnaire survey to determine nurses’ perceptions of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer and compared the results by affiliation (general ward, outpatient, and palliative care unit). The survey was completed by nurses from 11 facilities in Okinawa Prefecture. Results: Responses were obtained from 448 nurses (response rate: 51.6%). The results showed significant differences (p<.001) among nurses in palliative care units (78.9%), and general wards (62.6%) and outpatient settings (34.8%) regarding the belief that their breakthrough pain management was under control. The frequency of involvement with patients with cancer experiencing breakthrough pain was higher among nurses in palliative care units, and lower among nurses in general wards and outpatient settings, suggesting that this may influence perceptions of breakthrough pain control. Conclusions: Perceptions of control over breakthrough pain differed by clinical affiliation, suggesting that the frequency of involvement with patients cancer and nursing experience may have an influence. These results highlight the need to improve the educational system for nurses on the management of breakthrough pain based on their affiliation.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between late effects and social distresses in head and neck cancer survivors more than one year after radiotherapy. Method: An existing subset of head and neck cancer-specific quality of life scale was used to assess late effects and social distresses in survivors who had completed radiotherapy for more than 1 year. Descriptive statistics were performed for each social distresses and symptom, and were analyzed their association. Results: Seventy-three people responded to the survey. All patients had some symptoms. The most prevalent and severe late effect was dry mouth (79.5%). In addition, the most prevalent social distress was trouble with social eating (87.7%), and the most severe was speech problems. There was a significant positive correlation between late effects and social distresses. Social distresses were associated with dysphagia and sticky saliva and a history of surgery. Conclusion: Head and neck cancer survivors may have multiple late effects and social distresses at the same time, and there are a need for a comprehensive assessment of the impact of symptoms in the outpatient setting.

Purpose: The present study aimed to clarify the status of exercise and related factors among survivors of breast cancer. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to survivors of breast cancer. The question items addressed the status of exercise participation, knowledge about the effects of exercise and need for support. Factors associated with exercise participation were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: Among 293 valid responses (rate, 84.2%). Fifty-eight point four percent participated in exercise and 41.3% decreased exercise participation after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Furthermore, 91.9% needed support from health care providers regarding exercise. About 70% of respondents were aware that exercise improves sleep, but <50% knew that exercise ameliorates symptoms associated with breast cancer. Among seven factors, age, employment status and chemotherapy were associated with exercise status. Conclusion: Breast cancer survivors who are younger, employed and undergoing chemotherapy might not participate in exercise. The preventive effects of exercise on breast cancer and the importance of continuing daily exercise should be promoted. Health care providers should provide support for patients to participate in exercise considering the influence of treatment and physical capabilities.

The purpose of this study was to develop the "Itamikei", a small machine which records the subjective level of pain between 0-10. In addition to testing it's ease of operation and usefulness in the clinical practice environment. The "Itamikei" is 23 cm x 6 cm x 2 cm. It weighs 160 grams. It has 11 buttons, relating to the 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Each time a button is pushed the level of pain is recorded, along with the time and date. Later, this data can be transferred to computer displayed graphically showing the patient's subjective level of pain. This research was a case study for using the "Itamikei". One in-patient at the university hospital who had cancer pain was asked to use the "Itamikei" for 14 days. A graph was printed out and given to both the patient and the medical staff.
The results suggest the following:
1. Using the 0-10 NRS the patient could easily express her level of pain.
2. Because the "Itamikei" was easy to operate, the patient found no difficulty in entering her level of pain.
3. In graph form the daily transition in pain levels can be easily analyzed, and a program for managing pain can be prepare.