Pain Management Knowledge and Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals in Primary Medical Centers

Abstract

Background/AimTo investigate the level of knowledge and attitudes related to pain management among nurses and physicians working in primary medical centres in Jordan. DesignA descriptive cross-sectional design was used. SettingsStudy was conducted in seven medical centres affiliated to the Royal Military Medical Services. Participants/SubjectsA sample of 56 physicians and 81 nurses were recruited. MethodsThe Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain questionnaire was used to assess participants knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management. ResultsTotal knowledge scores were calculated and converted to a percentage for each participant, resulting in scores for nurses ranging from 9.51% to 90.24% (mean 45.26%, SD 9.9), and for physicians of 31.7% to 97.56%, (mean 50.6%, SD 13.6). The difference in the total mean scores between nurses and physicians was significant (t = −2.63, df = 135, P = .009), physicians having more knowledge of pain management than nurses. ConclusionsThe result of this study indicated that Jordanian healthcare professionals have a low level of knowledge and negative attitudes toward pain management, so educational programmes related to the topic are strongly recommended. The findings also revealed a discrepancy between knowledge and practice. Therefore, guidelines and protocols related to pain assessment and management should be designed and implemented to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.