Evaluating Medical-Surgical Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Pain: A Descriptive Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Background: Pain is part of the human experience. The management of pain is a problem of significant magnitude in the United States. Nurses are on the forefront of this issue with the capacity to assess and respond to patients needs. Nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards pain can predict the nurses' ability to adequately meet patient's pain reduction needs.

Objective: The aim of this DNP project was to replicate a 1996 study comparing outcomes of the attitudes and knowledge regarding pain survey of a convenience sample of medical-surgical nurses in 2013 with nurses from 1996 to determine if attitudes towards pain have changed.

Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive, comparative design. The Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (NKASRP) and a demographic survey were utilized to assess the nurses' knowledge level and attitudes toward pain and pain management.

Sample: A convenience sample of nurses (n=58) from nine in-patient, medical-surgical units at a large multi-facility health care system volunteered to participate.

Results: No significant differences were found between the attitudes on pain from the 1996 and 2013 respondents. The mean score on the NKASRP was 67%. No significant correlations were identified between any demographic variable and nurses' scores.

Conclusion: Despite increased educational preparation since 1996, the mean score on the NKASRP remained well below what is considered average knowledge. Nursing academics and hospital orientations need to evaluate nurses' attitudes and knowledge and provide the education that can help nurses provide adequate pain management to patients.