Knowledge, perceived barriers, and practices of oncology nurses regarding cancer pain management

Abstract

Effective cancer pain management involves significant knowledge and proficiency in pain assessment and recording. This study sought to assess nurses' knowledge, behaviors, and perceived impediments to managing cancer-related pain.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 502 nurses working in three primary health care sectors in Jordan was selected to ensure national representation. To collect data, an Englishlanguage online Google Electronic Form was employed.Results: Nurses were 86.4% male and 51.4% between 21 and 35. Additionally, 578.8% of nurses were employed in the private sector. The mean knowledge score for cancer pain management was 6.48/14, indicating a knowledge gap in opioid rescue dose deficiency among nurses. According to 68.1% of nurses, the most frequently encountered patient-related hurdle was insufficient expertise in pain control. 75.3%, on the other hand, named insufficient staffing, and 74.7%, opioid regulations as significant health care system impediments. Private hospital nurses score significantly higher than nurses in other hospitals. The degree of expertise varied according to age and pain management training. For 56.8% of nurses, contacting a physician for an opioid prescription is the most delayed action. Conclusion:Knowledge gaps and impediments to successful cancer pain management were assessed. Additional training in cancer pain treatment is crucial, increasing coordination and communication between doctors and nurses. The survey data assist educators in developing educational techniques, and the least correctly answered answers might aid educators in identifying knowledge gaps.

Nurses’ Knowledge, Perceived Barriers and Practices Regarding Cancer Pain Management: A Scoping Review

“…Othman and Al-Atiyyat (2022) found that nurses working in Jordan had an average knowledge score of 6.48, indicating limited knowledge in this area. [ 13 ] The study also identified significant knowledge gaps related to opioid rescue dosage and the fastest route of action for opioids. [ 13 ] In Jordan, doctors demonstrated better knowledge and attitudes towards pain management compared to nurses, with doctors having a stronger understanding of ‘opioid addiction’ and nurses having better grasp of ‘combined analgesics’.…”

“…[ 13 ] The study also identified significant knowledge gaps related to opioid rescue dosage and the fastest route of action for opioids. [ 13 ] In Jordan, doctors demonstrated better knowledge and attitudes towards pain management compared to nurses, with doctors having a stronger understanding of ‘opioid addiction’ and nurses having better grasp of ‘combined analgesics’. [ 14 ] Similarly, in Ethiopia, Admass et al .…”

“…Furthermore, a significant number of nurses (81.7%) documented pain evaluations. [ 13 ] Similarly, in Albania, the majority of nurses (71.4%) opted for opioid analgesic medication for the appropriate management of pain in cancer patients, while a smaller percentage (28.6%) selected non-opioid analgesics. [ 15 ]…”

“…In certain regions, such as Jordan, the scarcity of trained healthcare professionals and limited availability of personnel pose significant barriers to cancer pain management. [ 13 ] Patients’ reluctance to disclose their pain or refusal to use opioids due to concerns or misconceptions also present challenges in effectively managing cancer-related pain. [ 14 ]…”

“…[ 12 ] Similarly, nurses in Jordan showed varied knowledge levels based on hospital type, years of nursing experience, years in the clinical environment and participant ages (Othman and Al-Atiyyat, 2022). [ 13 ]…”