Use of Placebos for Pain Management in Patients with Cancer
The Oncology Nursing Society Position Statement
Endorsed by ANA: December 1996
Statement of the Position
The position of The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and endorsed by ANA is that Placebos should not be used to:
- To assess or manage cancer pain;
- To determine if the pain is "real"; or
- To diagnose psychological symptoms, such as anxiety associated with pain.
Nurses should not administer placebos in these circumstances even if there is a medical order.
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