Pain Management in Patients with Heart Failure: A Survey of Nurses’ Perception

Abstract

Background Over 50% of patients with heart failure (HF) report suffering from pain and pain related burdens; however, pain in HF patients has not been recognized and well treated. Few studies have comprehensively examined pain management in patients with HF from nurses’ perception. Aims To investigate nurses’ perception of pain management in HF patients. Methods Members of American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) were invited to participate in a cross-sectional on-line survey. Results A total of 147 nurses responded and completed the survey. The majority agreed that pain in HF patients was related to anxiety, depression, fatigue and unplanned hospitalization, and pain should be individually assessed and managed. More than 80% of them thought pain management practice in HF patients should be improved, 78.1% were interested in getting more information and online education module was the most preferable approach. Lack pain assessment tools, drug addiction, side effect, overuse, underuse, and contraindication with other medications were the main concerns regarding to opioid use in pain management in HF. The gaps of managing pain in HF patients included lack knowledge of opioid use, lack consideration and awareness of pain, no clinical guidelines of pain assessment and treatment, and complicated pain management with multiple chronic conditions. Conclusions The impact of pain, individually assessment and management of pain in HF patients were well perceived by nurses, whereas improvement in pain management practice in HF patients are needed. Concerns regarding to opioid use and gaps in pain management of HF patients should be addressed.