Edinburgh Napier University

  The management of cancer-related pain is a major focus of the work for nurses and doctors working in the hospice setting. On oredr [sic] for pain to be managed well, it is important that the two professions work in collaboration with each other. However there are many factors that influence the collaboration process. This article reports the results of a study that investigated the nature of collaboration between nurses and doctors when managing cancer pain. The theme categories of 'philosophy of palliative care','emotional labour of pain management' and'team work' appear to be central to the collaboration process. Suggestions of areas of practice worthy of further research have been made and implications for practice have also been identified.