Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
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Little theory-based research has been performed to better understand nurses' perceptions of pain management. Framed by the theory of planned behavior, the aims of the study were to describe nurses' beliefs (behavioral, normative, and control) about pain management for hospitalized elderly patients with postoperative pain; to present an item analysis for beliefs, attitudes, perceived norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and behaviors (measured in case study vignettes) for nurses (a) with different durations of nursing experience, (b) working in university, public health, and military hospitals, and (c) who either had or had not received pain management training in the past six months; and to compare differences in the constructs across these three groups. A comparative descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 140 Thai nurses working in three Bangkok hospitals. ⋯ Responses of nurses working in different types of hospitals indicated significantly different pain assessment and PRN opioid analgesic administration behaviors. No significant differences were found for nurses who did and did not receive pain management training. The study highlighted the need for improved pain management education for nurses to enhance the quality of patient care.
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Assessing and managing chronic pain in women with histories of interpersonal trauma, mood disorders and co-morbid addiction is complex. The aim of this paper is to report on the findings from a quality improvement project exploring women's experiences who have co-occurring mental health issues, addiction and chronic pain. Exploring perceptions was an initial step in implementing the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) Best Practice Guideline (BPG) on the Assessment and Management of Pain. ⋯ The implications of this study suggest that patients have a key role in informing the implementation and applicability of best practice guidelines. Validating the patient's personal pain management experience and particular psychological and physical therapies were suggested as strategies to enhance the patient's quality of life. Many clinicians working in mental health are knowledgeable about these therapies, but may not be aware of the application to managing physical pain.
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The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the primary determinants of knowledge and attitudes regarding pain among nurses in a hospital setting. All registered nurses employed at participating units at a university hospital were invited to participate. Information on work experience, education, and hospital unit was evaluated using a questionnaire. ⋯ Participants with the correct response to the best discriminatory item had 5.35 (95% confidence interval 4.08-6.61) points higher total score than those with an incorrect answer. Higher education is associated with better knowledge on pain management. To assess pain knowledge, the ability to interpret and solve a clinical vignette leads to better results than answering direct questions.
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Hospitalized patients with persistent pain are among the most challenging populations to effectively manage because of coexistence with acute pain. Nurses play a vital role in pain management; however, gaps in knowledge and detrimental attitudes exist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted evidence-based pain education program to increase nurses' knowledge and attitudes about pain management. ⋯ Overall program satisfaction was positive. This study found improvement in persistent pain management knowledge and attitudes among direct care nurses caring for hospitalized patients. A targeted educational program may be an effective and efficient delivery method.
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When considering barriers to chronic pain treatment, there is a need to deliver nonpharmacological therapies in a way that is accessible to all individuals who may benefit. To conduct feasibility testing using a guided, Internet-based intervention for individuals with chronic pain, a novel, Internet-based, chronic pain intervention (ICPI) was developed, using concepts proven effective in face-to-face interventions. This study was designed to assess usability of the ICPI and feasibility of conducting larger-scale research, and to collect preliminary data on effectiveness of the intervention. ⋯ Most participants felt they benefited at least minimally as a result of using the ICPI. The ICPI was well received by participants and demonstrated positive outcomes in this preliminary study. Further research with more participants is feasible and necessary to fully assess the effect of this intervention.