Nurses' role in the non-pharmacological pain treatment in cancer patients

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-pharmacological therapy is important and complements the pharmacological treatment to relieve the pain and anxiety in many patients, and it is also classified as complementary and integrative therapy. The objective of this study was to describe the nurses’ role in non-pharmacological pain management in cancer patients. CONTENTS: Integrative literature review. Scientific publications indexed in the Medline, Integrated Building Environmental Communications System, LILACS and Nursing databases, accessed through the Virtual Health Library in October 2016, were evaluated. Following the inclusion criteria, seven studies were selected, published between 2006 and 2016. Data were subjected to content analysis. Based on this analysis, the articles were described in three categories: 1) the perception of nurses; 2) the perception of the patient, and 3) nursing actions. CONCLUSION: It was evident the fundamental and important role of the nursing staff in the non-pharmacological pain management in cancer patients. Both patients and family members should actively participate in the treatment. It is recommended the development of reliable and effective communication links, in addition to the implementation of educational actions involving the triad patient-family-team.