Nurses' Knowledge of Pain in the Elderly

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate nurses' knowledge of pain and pain management with respect to elderly persons. Registered nurses at several general hospitals and nursing homes were surveyed by questionnaire concerning their knowledge of pain management in the elderly. The findings indicated a significant knowledge deficit in this area. There were also significant differences in knowledge levels between general hospital nurses and those working in nursing homes. We conclude that more education about pain management in elderly patients is needed for nurses. This deficit needs to be addressed in both undergraduate nursing programs and hospital in-service courses. Presently, the majority of patients entering hospitals are aged 65 years and over. Hence, nurses in all areas of care, not just specifically those working in aged care facilities, need a sound knowledge of pain management of the elderly to facilitate compassionate and effective nursing care.

Knowledge and attitudes of nurses regarding pain in the intensive care unit patients in Rwanda

“…In addition, anxiety, confusion, sleep disturbance, delirium, and paranoia also result from unmanaged pain (Gélinas et al, 2004). Nurses' ability to identify and adequately manage pain is multifactorial and includes 1) ability to interpret verbal and non-verbal signs of pain, 2) cultural bias 3) knowledge gap and 4) excessive concern about administering pain killers (Sloman,et al , 2001). Narayan (2010) conducted a study and found that registered nurses under-assessed severe pain.…”

Pain management skills of regional nurses caring for older people with Dementia: A needs analysis

“…However, the research literature and this study have demonstrated significant knowledge deficits in this context. Registered nurses in the aged care setting, for example, know less than their acute and palliative care counterparts about pain management (Sloman et al 2001). The respondents in this study do not seem familiar with the central tenets of good palliative care -that pain is what the client says it is, that it is more effective to prevent pain than treat pain that has already occurred, and that drug addiction is not to be feared.…”

“…However, the literature clearly identifies that pain is common among older people, with an estimated 45% to 83% of nursing home residents experiencing substantial pain (Parmalee et al 1993;Forrest 1995). So while pain should never be considered normal in a healthy older person, they do suffer comparatively more pain from chronic conditions than the rest of the population (Sloman et al 2001). Moreover, up to 60% of nursing home residents also have dementia (Jorm 2001).…”

Pain Reports by Older Adults in Long‐Term Care: A Pilot Study of Changes Over Time

“…Environmental factors include, for example, caregiver responsiveness (42), staff knowledge (43), and the availability and distribution of resources in the institutional care environment (44).…”