Factors That Influence Patient Advocacy by Pain Management Nurses: Results of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing Survey

Impact of applying brief educational program on nurses knowledge, attitude, and practices toward pain management

“…For example, more than 30% of ICU patients suffer from pain at rest, and more than 50% complain from pain during routine care, such as changing position, endotracheal suctioning, and wound care (Puntillo, White et al 2001; Chanques, Sebbane et al 2007). Lack of knowledge about pain and its features is a common barrier to effective pain management (Ware, Bruckenthal et al 2011). Ineffective pain managements by nurses and nurses' reluctance to embrace all dimensions regarding pain is problematic (Hirsh, Jensen et al 2010).…”

Nursing Actions in practicing inpatient advocacy in a Burn Unit

“…Similarly, studies in different contexts and clinical situations have shown that patient advocacy can be considered a moral commitment of nurses, aimed especially at counseling patients about their rights and helping them in the decision-making process and ensuring the exercise of their autonomy (7)(8)(9)(10)14,17) .…”

“…Patients in pain often require that nurses provide advocacy to improve pain management, as they may be unaware of the therapeutic measures available and their rights. In this way and in guiding patients to order medications, having their pain treated and defending their unmet needs are important responsibilities of nurses in exercising patient advocacy (10) .…”

“…Despite evidence indicating the need to pursue it as a career goal in nursing, there still is not a defined concept for patient advocacy. In 1973, international nursing practice codes included patient advocacy as an ethical and legal role for nurses and since then several studies have pointed to actions and features that are intended to assist and expand the exercise of patient advocacy in nursing practice (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12) .…”

“…Thus, several investigations have shown that the actions of nurses as patient advocates are intended to help them in obtaining appropriate health care; defending their rights, ensuring the quality of care; and serving as a link between the patient and the health care environment (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14) . However, it is emphasized that in order to define and describe the actions of nurses in patient advocacy, it is necessary to consider that such actions are not static and fixed, but influenced by particular characteristics of individuals, organizations, relationships, medical conditions and environments (15) .…”