Registered Nurses’ Perception about Pain Management of Hospitalized Patients in One of the Governmental Hospitals in Dubai, UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic and acute pain are highly prevalent, especially among hospitalized surgical patients, patients with cancer, and general medical inpatients. More than 50% of patients experience significant pain. Health professionals’ knowledge and attitude concerning pain management have often been referred to as insufficient. This study explored the attitudes and knowledge of nurses working in one of the government hospitals in the UAE, with regard to pain management. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to examine nurses’ perception (knowledge and attitude) about pain using the Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (NKASRP). We targeted the nursing field in order to assess nurses’ perceptions of pain management. A convenience sample of 200 nurses working at one of the government hospitals in the UAE participated in this study. Results: Participants who scored <75% were considered to have poor knowledge and a nonstandard attitude. Participants who scored >75% were considered to have adequate knowledge and a positive attitude. The study revealed that the knowledge and attitude percentage means of correct answers about pain management was 61% (SD: ±11.97%; 95% CI 59.33–62.6%). Inadequate knowledge and attitude featured in 89.5% and adequate knowledge and attitude in 10.5% of all participants. Previous pain management education experience was statistically significant p < 0.05. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study showed that nurses reflected an inadequate knowledge and attitude regarding pain management. Nurses’ perception about pain management was higher among younger staff than those with longer experience. Pain management education has an impact on knowledge and attitude. There is a need to follow innovative approaches in training. Pain management education is an essential part of the nursing orientation program and should be conducted throughout the year to target all nurses. New evidence-based approaches to pain management among nurses should be explored and tested, using the NKASRP as a baseline and follow-up measure.