Acute Bone Pain: An Analysis of Symptom Management Interventions After Administration of Granulocyte–Colony-Stimulating Factors for Myelosuppression

Background: The administration of granulocyte–colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) has proven to be essential in increasing the body’s immune system following treatment with chemotherapy; however, many patients have reported varying levels of acute bone pain after receiving G-CSFs.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to manage acute bone pain following G-CSF administration.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was administered to hospitalized patients who received G-CSFs during a four-month period to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of interventions in reducing pain.

Findings: The findings of this study suggest that patients employ pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for pain management, but results are inconsistent and often inadequate. Nonpharmacologic interventions received higher scores for consistency and perceived effectiveness.