Abstract
Background. In 1996, the Palliative Oncology Education Section of the American Association for Cancer Education published educational objectives to be used as guidelines in teaching medical students and residents effective cancer pain management. Pain assessment and management is also an important area of concern for cancer nurses and an essential topic in educational programs. The members of the Oncology Nursing Section of the American Association for Cancer Education who were present at the annual association meeting in the fall of 1996 discussed the need to develop cancer pain guidelines for nursing educators. This article is the outcome of the meeting decision. The authors represent the Association members interested in contributing to the endeavor.