Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were considered for inclusion. RCTs had to include adult cancer patients with cancer-related pain. Patient education programmes had to be delivered by health care staff as information, behavioural instructions, or advice through verbal, written, or audio channels. Trials had to report on quality of life (including functional status, perceived pain control, anxiety, satisfaction with pain treatment, pain interference, physical functioning, psychological status, spiritual well-being, social functioning), pain intensity, and pain interference.
Included patient age ranged from 56 to 62 years; the proportion of women ranged from 57 to 66.1%. Cancer diagnosis of included patients varied across the trials, as did the level of pain experienced. Patients with cancer-related pain were recruited from outpatient or ambulatory oncology clinics. Half of the included trials were conducted in Australia, the other half were conducted in the USA. Interventions varied across trials including a representational approach, provision of video tapes and/or booklets, as well as instructional and cognitive behavioural education. Comparators included basic or general pain education, standard care, and videos/booklets on nutrition. All trials used standardised measures to assess quality of life and pain; the most consistently used tool was the Brief Pain Inventory.
Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion. Disagreements were resolved in discussion and referred to a third author if necessary.