Influences of Patient Behavior on Clinical Nurses' Pain Assessment: Implications for Continuing Education

Abstract

Pain management is an important consideration in the promotion of patients' comfort. However, research continues to indicate patients' pain management is poor. The nursing literature cites nurses' lack of knowledge as a significant determinant of poor pain management practices. The impetus for this study arose from poor attendance by nurses at inservice sessions discussing pain assessment and management. Knowledge of existing nursing practice and accompanying beliefs and attitudes in relation to pain management is paramount in the development of relevant continuing education for registered nurses. The aim of this investigation was to study nurses' intention to treat pain in different patients. A 10-page questionnaire with eight different patient scenarios was distributed to 886 nurses across all clinical divisions of an acute tertiary facility. Results indicate knowledge deficits regarding optimum pain relief for patients. This article highlights the need for innovative teaching strategies and approaches in the clinical context to heighten nurses' awareness of their lack of knowledge of pain assessment and management.

Nurses' Educational Needs for Pain Management of Post-Cardiac Surgery Patients

“…Concerns about respiratory depression were also found in another study examining how patient behavior influenced nurses' pain assessment. 38 This concern corresponds with older surveys indicating that nurses are more concerned about respiratory distress with patients receiving opioids over time. 39 More than a third also indicated that the most effective pain management involved one strategy or medication at a time, which was opposite to what they described in the focus group as normal medication practice of combining acetaminophen with oral opioids.…”

Improve pain management in patients with substance abuse

“…19 These scales apply a numerical value to a qualitative attribute allowing for objective measurement. 19 These scales apply a numerical value to a qualitative attribute allowing for objective measurement.…”

“…6,19 Nevertheless, when faced with an admitted substance abuser, healthcare providers can be even more tentative. In the nonsubstance abuse patient, there is a hesitation to provide liberal pain management for fear of creating an addiction.…”

Development and testing of four instruments to assess prior conditions that influence nurses' adoption of evidence‐based pain management practices

“…The majority of nurses do not know or accept patient self‐report as the most reliable indicator of pain (McCaffery et al. 2000, Horbury et al. 2005).…”