The aim of this research project was to develop and pilot a pain assessment tool in clinical practice. This tool should assist nurses to assess pain, plan and deliver interventions and evaluate effectiveness of care appropriately.

An action research approach was taken. Following review of the literature, a pain tool was developed, piloted and continually adapted on the oncology/haematology wards within the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre. Throughout the project staff were formally and informally afforded opportunity to identify ways in which the tool could be improved. The pain tool has now been piloted within each oncology or haematology ward/department within the Cancer Centre.

A pain tool can provide the multidisciplinary team with a standardised method for assessing pain in cancer patients.