Knowledge and Perceived Competence of Home Care Nurses in Pain Management

Abstract

This national mail survey assessed pain-related knowledge and subjective competence of a random sample of home care nurses across the United States. Other study objectives were to examine the relationship between nurse characteristics, knowledge and perceived competence, and assess continuing education practices. On average, the 1236 nurses scored only 56% of the items correctly, demonstrating stronger knowledge in pain assessment than treatment. Respondents reported most confidence in patient and family communication, discussion of advance directives and pain assessment. The lowest competence was reported in sophisticated pain treatment techniques. The relationship between knowledge and subjective competence was found to be highly significant. Sixty-three percent of the sample displayed a realistic assessment of their pain management knowledge, while 37% under- or overestimated what they knew. It is challenging to engage the latter group who overestimate their competence but score low on pain management knowledge. Educational strategies need to differentiate these two groups and target the audience appropriately.

A survey of current perianesthesia nursing practice for pain and comfort management

“…20 The nurses responded correctly to only 56% of the scored items in a pain assessment and management survey; the highest knowledge was demonstrated in pain assessment. A study evaluating nurses' knowledge of pain in elders revealed a similarly significant knowledge deficit, particularly in terms of appropriate use of analgesics in elders.…”

“…12, [19][20][21][22] This is of major concern because without a sound understanding of assessment and the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions, nurses cannot advocate for appropriate pain treatment on behalf of their patients.…”

Training, clinical medication review performance and self-assessed competence: Investigating influences

“…Other HCPs have reported over-and underestimations of their performance (Jansen et al, 1995;Tracey, Arroll, Barham, & Richmond, 1997;Latif et al, 1998;Glajchen & Bookbinder, 2001;Barnsley et al, 2004), suggesting others may require support in their pursuit of self-awareness of competence. Social desirability and overconfidence, or a lack of confidence were factors interfering with reporting true performance (Jansen et al, 1995;Latif et al, 1998;Glajchen & Bookbinder, 2001;Barnsley et al, 2004).…”

Connaissances et attitudes des infirmiers libéraux face à la douleur en fin de vie

“…Il comportait près de 200 questions, dont un module dédié au traitement de la douleur. Ce module était composé de 29 questions utilisées dans d'autres pays pour évaluer le niveau de connaissance des infirmiers, ainsi que d'une vignette clinique [17,18]. Cette vignette portait sur la prescription en première intention d'un antalgique de niveau 3 pour un patient en phase terminale atteint d'un cancer pulmonaire et ayant une douleur intense, c'est-à-dire forte et persistante, sans doute due à des compressions tumorales ou métastatiques.…”