We are honored to continue the Academic Express initiative, a cornerstone platform for disseminating transformative research that shapes the future of cancer care worldwide. In this issue, we present a reflective commentary by Dr. Dorothy N.S. Chan (Chair, ISNCC Knowledge Development Committee), her doctoral student Ms. Jennifer Zhang and her team on their pioneering study: "Multicomponent Self-Management Intervention for Cancer Patients with Pain". Responding to the universal crisis of unrelieved cancer pain—where patients may view suffering as inevitable or even contemplate suicide—this research delivers a breakthrough multicomponent self-management intervention (MSMI) integrating mHealth technology. The PainManager app achieved remarkable 95.8% retention, demonstrating scalable solutions to bridge critical gaps in outpatient pain management.
We are honored to share reflections on our recent research, "Multicomponent Self-Management Intervention for Cancer Patients with Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study." Our decision to focus on cancer pain management emerged from firsthand observations of the profound challenges patients endure throughout their cancer journeys. Pain disrupts not only physical comfort but also emotional and psychological well-being. In China, we have encountered cancer patients who endured unrelieved pain, and patients who believe suffering is an inevitable part of cancer. Despite advances in medical treatment, many individuals still experience inadequate pain relief, particularly during the transition to outpatient care. This highlights the urgent need for effective self-management strategies that empower patients and improve their quality of life.
Through this study, we gained valuable insights into the importance of a holistic approach to pain management. A systematic review revealed that while existing self-management interventions offer benefits, they often lack a comprehensive framework addressing the multifaceted nature of pain. Synthesizing data from multiple randomized controlled trials allowed us to develop a novel multicomponent self-management intervention (MSMI) that integrates education, assessment, ongoing support, and lifestyle adjustments—all essential components for improving outcomes in cancer patients experiencing pain.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our research was the incorporation of mHealth technology via the PainManager app. Our findings highlight its potential to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, fostering a collaborative approach to pain management. The app not only improved communication but also promoted engagement and adherence to self-management strategies. Positive participant feedback emphasized its practical value and potential for broader implementation in cancer care.
Our pilot study, which included 23 participants, demonstrated high feasibility with a 95.8% retention rate and strong acceptability. Although preliminary analyses showed modest effects on several outcomes, we observed a moderate positive effect on medication adherence—a key challenge in pain management. Participant interviews provided invaluable feedback, noting the app’s convenience and benefits while also identifying areas for refinement, such as streamlining questionnaires. These findings are not an endpoint but a critical foundation, underscoring the need for a larger-scale study to validate and optimize the intervention’s efficacy.
We believe nursing practice can greatly benefit from these insights. Equipping patients with the tools and knowledge to manage their pain fosters independence and strengthens the nurse-patient relationship. As we continue to explore innovative ways to address the complex needs of cancer patients, we hope our research encourages further exploration in the vital field of self-management interventions.
In conclusion, conducting this study has reaffirmed our commitment to improving cancer care. We invite our colleagues in oncology nursing to embrace the possibilities offered by evidence-based, technology-integrated interventions. Together, we can make meaningful strides toward alleviating cancer pain and enhancing the quality of life for patients worldwide.
Ms Jennifer Zhang (in the middle, first author of the article) and her nursing team
Reference:
Zhang, J., Yu, W., Wu, X., Zhang, S., Yang, M., Luo, M., Jiang, J., Mai, M., Ho, L.L.K., & Chan, D.N.S. (2025). Multicomponent self-management intervention for cancer patients with pain: A Pilot randomized controlled study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 78, 102964. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.102964.Multicomponent self-management intervention for cancer patients with pain: A Pilot randomized controlled study.
