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.