Publications
APS Bulletin • Volume 14, Number 5, 2004
Web Site Reviews
Michael E. Clark, PhD, Department Editor
American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiatives
Reviewed by Paul Arnstein, PhD RN
Site Audience
This home page for the American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiatives is nicely organized with a basic overview of the organization and its mission. Rather than clearly delineating any target audience, the site welcomes a broader audience to find out more about Pain Management Improvement, addressing the interests of patients, the public, healthcare professionals, State-based initiative members, or governmental agencies. The history, mission, products, education/media programs and current activities are well presented on the Web site targeting the general audience. Additionally, there is a password-protected section that houses an expanded “Toolbox for Starting, Rejuvenating and Sustaining Pain Initiatives.” Given a broad target audience, the visitor will surely appreciate telephone numbers (with names of contact persons) and e-mail links to national and state offices that appear on the homepage as well as most pages within this site.
Content Appraisal
The site is well designed as a resource directory. From bulleted talking-points to full-length journal articles, there is a remarkable breadth and depth of information available. Full-text articles from recent, reputable journals provide information on the problems of unrelieved pain, root causes and consequences of inadequate pain management. One article deals with an overview of state regulatory barriers, another provides a thoughtful critique of Intractable Pain Treatment Acts across the nation and another pivotal article describes the history, track-record, and strategies for maximizing the effects of grass-root State-Pain Initiative movements. The mapping of each state by the status of its pain initiative with updated contact information, and current focus of activities, with links to Web sites as available is a nice feature.
On the downside, some information is outdated with broken links and even bogus contact information. The public information was clear and well written, with excellent selected links to find high-quality sites for more information on pain (i.e., general and selected specific types), cancer, and cancer pain. A useful table lists “Patient Assistance” forms for different manufacturers of analgesics. This table provides contact information, the products covered, the type and duration of assistance (e.g., free drug versus sliding-scale discount), and the requirements. There are links to forms as well as Web pages that provide nearly instantaneous feedback on approval status. Information from annual AACPI meetings—including some Powerpoint presentations—back-issues of the Cancer Pain Forum (2002 and earlier), and succinct statements on regulatory and legislative matters provide the visitor with excellent insights and talking points surrounding key issues affecting the pain managment. Research posters, on-line lectures and assembled “Quality Improvement Project-In-A-Box,” as well as publications available for purchase can help organizations develop and maintain successful programs to improve the way pain is managed.
Navigation/Ease of Use
The site was easy to navigate, with a few, carefully selected linkages, taking care to guide rather than overwhelm the visitor. Navigating within the site is straightforward with a site map and search engine that is easy to use if needed. A couple of dead links were encountered and some outdated or post-deadline information was encountered. Although some outdated materials were found, there was also information found that had been posted in the month prior to the review.
Recommendations
This site is of high quality with products, presentations, and articles authored by recognized professionals in the pain movement. The site does an outstanding job of making essential information readily available to a broad target audience. To keep abreast of up-to-date information, it is advisable to get on the mailing list to receive free information from AACPI rather than scanning back-copies of Cancer Pain Forum. Regardless of your background, time spent surfing this Web site will be rewarded. This site is filled with gems awaiting your mining expedition.
Please direct your comments or suggestions for future Web Site Reviews to Michael E. Clark, PhD, Department Editor, at michaeleclark2@msn.com