Abstract
The non-pharmacological pain management therapies have a valuable effect in managing moderate to mild pain intensity, especially if demonstrated in the pre-operative phase. The study aimed to explore the nurses’ practice toward using non-pharmacological pain management techniques in surgical wards. In a cross-sectional research design, a convenient sample of 47 nurses in the surgical wards in Egyptian hospital (Third Level) participated in the study. Data gathered using modified Non-pharmacological Methods Questionnaire. Results of the study indicated that nurse’s perception regarding applying the cognitive-behavioral methods as a distraction and Positive reinforcement techniques were more common (68.1%,53.2%), whereas most of them used emotional support (93.6%) and preferred to demonstrate physical methods. Meanwhile, nurses addressed the barriers to apply nonpharmacological pain management as lack of time, patient unwillingness, and patients’ health beliefs. Nevertheless, nurses reported the non-pharmacological pain management is less expensive and has fewer side effects than medication and can demonstrated post-discharge. Nurses play a key role in applying effective and different non-pharmacological therapies in surgical wards. Thus, nurses should be encouraged to demonstrate the non-pharmacological pain management therapies with patients undergoing surgical procedures.
Highlights
Pain is a complex phenomenon including both the peripheral and central nervous systems that can impact a patient’s status physically, psychologically, and socially
Pain is defined by the American Pain Society (2008) as “an unpleasant sensory, and emotional experience associated with acute or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage” [1]
Pain assessment is a challenge for nurses because it depends on the patient’s experience and is subjective rather than objective in nature [3]
Summary
Pain is a complex phenomenon including both the peripheral and central nervous systems that can impact a patient’s status physically, psychologically, and socially. Approximately 20% of patients experience severe pain, after surgery, for up to 24 hours, and this may extend throughout the wound healing process to 3 months [2]. Pain assessment is a challenge for nurses because it depends on the patient’s experience and is subjective rather than objective in nature [3]. Pasero et al, (2009), reported that an estimated percentage of patients who complain of different levels of pain are not manageable, around 79% of hospitalized patients related to the gap between pain assessment and pain management [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
