The effectiveness of a continuing education programme on pain assessment and management was investigated in 106 surgical cancer nurses. It was found that the programme led to a more positive attitude towards physical and relaxation interventions (such as the use of relaxation, distraction and massage techniques). In addition, an increase in the duration and quality of psychosocial interventions (provision of information, emotional support, and promotion of autonomy) was established. Furthermore, the programme resulted in an increase in the quality of physical and relaxation interventions. However, the programme did not lead to more positive attitudes towards psychosocial interventions, or to increases in the numbers of psychosocial, physical and relaxation interventions.