Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurses Regarding Pain Management
Abstract
Unrelieved pain causes discomfort that deprives individuals of sleep, causes depression, increases anxiety, leads to morbidity, and eventually death. Nurses' poor knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management can have a major impact on pain management outcomes in regards to the patients they care for. This study explored knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management on various floors and at various hospitals in the United States. There were a total of45 completed surveys. The study revealed that scores ranged from 45% to 80%, which is moderate knowledge and attitudes about pain management from the survey. There was no statistically significant difference found between the scores for females vs. males, the level of education, or the frequency of caring for patients in pain. The areas that knowledge deficits were commonly found were in cancer-related pain, pharmacology, addiction, withdrawal, and substance abuse. A focus on changing the amount of education provided to nurses in regards to pain management, education on cultural practices, as well as accountability will enhance nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain, reduce the amount of pain the patient is experiencing, and improve quality ofcare.