Objectives: Gender and ethnic differences in cancer pain experiences were recently reported to be a major inhibiting factor to adequate cancer pain management. For adequate cancer pain management, the development of a knowledge base and computer software to assist decision making about cancer pain from diverse cultural groups is imperative. The purpose of the study was to develop an initial version of computer software that could assist nurses’ decision making about cancer pain reported by women from diverse cultural groups. Design: This cross-sectional study included three phases: (a) data collection, (b) development of computer software, and (c) validation of computer software. Population, Sample, Setting, & Years: Three to five nursing schools in 17 countries were contacted through their websites during 2000-2001. For an Internet survey, a total of 19 faculty members from 10 countries who were self-identified experts in oncology nursing were recruited through e-mail. Among the 19 participants, only 10 from nine countries completed e-mail group discussions. Variables: Cancer pain, gender, ethnicity Methods: Data were collected using an Internet survey composed of 11 sociodemographic characteristic questions and via international e-mail group discussions of 11 topics about cancer pain and management. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Based on the collected data, computer software was developed using fuzzy logic as a theoretical basis. The software development phase began when the data were collected from the first five participants and continued throughout the data collection phase. Findings: The findings indicated ethnic, gender, geographical, and age differences in cancer pain descriptions and nurses’ unique role in cancer pain management in each country. Based on the data, adaptive fuzzy computer software for cancer pain management including (a) a knowledge base generation module, (b) a decision making module, and (c) a self-adaptation module was developed. Conclusions: The findings support the importance of consideration of ethnic and gender differences in cancer pain descriptions. Internet/e-mail is a feasible means of data collection across cultures. Implications for Nursing Practice: Based on the study findings, suggestions for future research and practice related to cancer pain and expert systems were proposed.
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