Perceptions Of Pain Management Research Articles

The voices of breast cancer survivors with chronic pain: A qualitative thematic analysis of patients’ challenges to pain management

Objectives Recognizing the limitations of the current pain therapies, the study aimed to explore the unique needs and obstacles related to pain management in Breast Cancer Survivors (BCs) with Chronic Pain (CP). Methods 4 focus groups were conducted involving 17 BCs with CP (Mage = 51, SD = 7.99) with varying pain intensities. Thematic analysis was applied to transcribed discussions. Findings Three key themes emerged: (1) Challenges to pain management, including “Doctor-patients communications barriers” and “Contextual and societal barriers”; (2) Self-management needs, encompassing “Psycho-social support,” “Care-related needs,” and “Shared decision-making”; (3) Treatment preferences and perceptions of pain management, with subthemes like “Treatment preferences,” “Institution preference,” and “Decision role perception.” Conclusions This study emphasizes tailored support systems targeting patient hesitancy, countering pain normalization, and addressing healthcare providers’ attitudes. It underscores the importance of integrating caregiver and peer support. Findings advocate refining healthcare provider education, adopting a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, and strategically incorporating eHealth tools into such care.

UNLOCKING PAIN MANAGEMENT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: AN INTERVENTION TO BE TAILORED

Abstract Effective pain management for persons living with dementia (PLWD) is critical to quality of life and could be achieve through rehabilitative care. However, it’s not well understood how physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) develop and deliver treatment plans for PLWD, as most pain studies and evidence-based guidelines explicitly exclude those with cognitive impairment. In this qualitative descriptive study, we explored clinicians’ perceptions of pain management in PLWD as recommended by available guidelines. Semi-structured virtual interviews of 6 PTs and 4 OTs from 4 outpatient facilities were all female, with an average age of 36.7 (SD 8.78) years and an average clinical experience of 7.01 (SD 4.81) years. We analyzed transcripts using conventional content analysis and identified a consistent theme that rehabilitative-based interventions for pain management among PLWD need to be “carefully tailored.” Clinicians explained that the plan of care they designed for PLWD need to be tailored to the patient’s underlying pain mechanism, physical function, and comorbidities that can affect their participation in therapy, to avoid activities that exacerbate pain symptoms, and take into consideration the extent of memory loss that the person is experiencing and their preferences. This study highlights the important factors practicing clinicians take into consideration when developing rehabilitative programs to manage pain among PLWD. These findings can guide the updating of current pain management guidelines so they are more inclusive and tailored to PLWD.

Parental Postoperative Pain Management Perceptions, Attitudes, and Practices in Pediatric Limb Fractures

BackgroundPost-surgical pain in children is common, severe, and inadequately controlled. An effective model should involve the participation of parents. AimsTo investigate parental perceptions, attitudes, and practices in postoperative pain management in children with limb fractures and analyze the factors affecting parental practices. DesignThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study. SettingsResearch was conducted at a tertiary Children's Hospital Affiliated with Soochow University. ParticipantsParents whose children (age, 6–18 years) underwent orthopedic fracture surgery between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2020, were recruited using purposive sampling. MethodsThe parents were asked to complete self-report questionnaires: “Pain Management Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire” and “Parents’ Use of Pain Relief Strategies Questionnaire.” The Wong–Baker Faces Scale was used to measure pain intensity in children. The Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and correlation and regression analyses were used for statistical analyses. ResultsData of 180 parents were collected. Of the participants, 80.6%, 78.3%, and 71.7% had low-to-moderate scores for knowledge, general attitudes, and use of pain relief strategies, respectively. Moreover, 93.9% of parents had moderate-to-high scores for negative attitudes toward medication, despite 89.5% of them reporting moderate-to-high pain intensities in their children (median proxy-report of pain intensity, 7.0 [3.00]). Multivariate linear stepwise regression showed that parents’ use of pain-relief strategies was related to their general attitudes, knowledge, and sex. ConclusionsMost parents had low-to-moderate scores for perceptions and general attitudes toward children’s postoperative pain management, and use of pain relief strategies. Moreover, they lacked knowledge of and had negative attitudes toward pain assessment and analgesics, which significantly impacted their practices. Clinical ImplicationsClinical pediatric nurses should provide appropriate support for the entire family of the child. Moreover, to enhance parental practices, they should develop targeted parental education programs for pain management, particularly regarding pain assessment tools and pain medications.

Pain management: A deeper look at rural and urban nurses' perceptions and experiences.

About 11.4 million individuals admitted to misusing an opioid in the past year. The purpose of this study was to determine if nurses' definitions of pain management differed by location, and to assess the challenges treating patients with pain management concerns. This study fills a gap by comparing quantitative and qualitative feedback from nurses on pain management concerns in their practice location. Data were collected using an electronic survey emailed to licensed nurses across the United States. The mixed methods survey used multiple choice, select all that apply, and open-ended responses to gather data on nurses' perceptions of pain management. One hundred and eighty nurses completed the survey and were included in the study. Sixty-six percent practiced in an urban hospital. Rural and urban nurses defined pain management as nonopioids and opioids. Seventy-one percent of urban nurses defined pain management as physical therapy compared to only 61% of rural nurses. Similarly, 62% of urban nurses identified homeopathic medicines and treatments as pain management techniques compared to 52% of rural nurses. From the qualitative data, 32% of rural nurses stated that patients with pain management concerns only want pain medications compared to 14% of urban nurses. Nurses have a critical position in and valuable perspective on the opioid epidemic. Rural communities are relatively disadvantaged in combatting the opioid epidemic. The finding that rural residents only want pain medication instead of alternative pain management options further challenges the country's rural health care workforce.

Patient perceptions of pain management and opioid use prior to hip arthroplasty.

Qualitative assessment investigating patients' perceptions related to opioids including their role in pain control, risks, and handling and disposal prior to undergoing hip replacement. A prospective, cross-sectional survey study. Large urban teaching hospital specializing in orthopedic surgery affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College. Patients aged 18-80, English-speaking, without recent or chronic opioid use, and planning to undergo primary total hip replacement. A total of 128 patients were enrolled and completed the study. A 27-item interview evaluating perceptions on opioid-related -topics. Responses to interview questions were documented by research assistant. Most patients believe that there should be minimal or no pain with the use of opioids, though they also agree that opioids should be limited to pain that interferes with function or activity. Patients generally appreciate risks of addiction with opioids but are less familiar with risks associated with sleep apnea and sedatives. Minority of patients understand that the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination with opioids would effectively reduce pain. Majority of patients were unsure of how to properly store and dispose of opioids. Qualitative assessment demonstrates that patients may benefit from education and discussion specifically about pain expectations, the role of opioids in treating pain, multimodal analgesia, and proper storage and disposal.

Pain Assessment and Management in Health Care: Nurses' Perspectives

Background: chronic and acute pain are extremely common, particularly among hospitalizes surgical patients, cancer patients, and general medical inpatients. More than half of patients report significant pain. The knowledge and attitude of health professionals toward pain management have frequently been described as inadequate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and knowledge of nurses working in health care regarding pain management. Methods: The Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Pain Survey was used in a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design to examine nurses' perception (knowledge and attitude) about pain. We focused on the nursing field to assess nurses' perceptions of pain management. This study included a convenience sample of 200 nurses from hospitals. Results: Participants who scored 75% were thought to have poor knowledge and an abnormal attitude. Participants with a score of more than 75% were deemed to have adequate knowledge and a positive attitude. According to the findings of the study, the knowledge and attitude percentage means of correct answers about pain management were 61% (SD: 11.97%; 95% CI 59.33-62.6%). Inadequate knowledge and attitude were present in 89.5% of all participants, while adequate knowledge and attitude were present in 10.5%. Previous experience with pain management education was statistically significant (p 0.05). Conclusion and Recommendation: According to the findings of this study, nurses have insufficient knowledge and attitudes toward pain management. Younger nurses had a more positive attitude toward pain management than older nurses. Pain management education influences both knowledge and attitude. There is a need for innovative training approaches. Pain management education is an important part of the nursing orientation program and should be offered all year to all nurses. The NKASRP should be used as a baseline and follow-up measure to explore and test new evidence-based approaches to pain management among nurses.

Legislation Limiting Postoperative Opioid Prescribing Does Not Impact Patients' Perception of Pain Management After Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BackgroundIn an effort to combat the opioid epidemic, state legislation was passed to limit postoperative narcotic prescribing. The purpose of this study was to assess if the legislation had an impact on patients’ perception of pain management after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that patients would not perceive their pain management experience to be impacted.MethodsA prospective survey study was performed on all consenting patients undergoing primary THA or TKA at a large academic center from July 2019 to February 2020. Patients taking opioids preoperatively were excluded. Surveys given preoperatively and at 2 weeks postoperatively assessed patients' concerns surrounding postoperative pain control and their perception of the impact of a newly implemented legislation. Descriptive analysis and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients were performed.ResultsNinety-three patients met inclusion criteria and consented. Seventy-nine (29 THA and 50 TKA) completed both surveys. Preoperatively, 9.2% of patients were concerned that the legislation would impact their pain management, despite 43.0% having pain concerns. Postoperatively, 87.0% of patients felt that the legislation had no or mild effect on pain control. Although 36.7% of patients reported moderate to severe postoperative pain, 15.2% of patients reported being dissatisfied with pain control. There was no statistical correlation between preoperative pain concern and feelings that the legislation impacted pain.ConclusionsAfter primary THA and TKA, our data suggest that patients’ perception of their pain management was not impacted by the legislation. Prescribers should be reassured that the decreased allowable opioids does not hinder the patients’ perception of their pain management experience.

Perception of Pain Management Among Nurses: A Study at Enchi Government Hospital

The subjective nature of pain makes it difficult to manage, especially when your healthcare personnel (mostly nurse) does not have requisite knowledge on pain management. Thus, the purpose of the study is to investigate the perception of pain management among nurses at Enchi Government Hospital. Descriptive cross-sectional study design with quantitative approach and convenient sampling method was used in conducting the study. Standard closed ended questionnaire was used to elicit responses from registered nurses at the Enchi Government Hospital. The study revealed that out of the total 150 respondents, 75.1% (112) of the total respondents’ responses depicted good perception on pain management, 76.7% (115) showed good knowledge on pain management and 51.4% (77) revealed good attitude towards pain management. In conclusion, majority of nurses at Enchi Government Hospital have good perception, good knowledge and good attitude towards pain management with others being at deficit. It is recommended that more studies are conducted on this subject concerning the topic of this study, other pertinent topics on pain management, in-service training conducted periodically and also implemented in curriculum for nursing education in Ghana.

Emergency Nurse Perceptions of Pain and Opioids in the Emergency Department

The opioid crisis is a national health emergency with immense morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic cost. Emergency department (ED) pain management is tightly linked to the issue of opioid use disorder (OUD), because opioid exposure is necessary for development of OUD. Emergency nurses are on the frontlines of this complex problem, yet little, if any, attention has been paid to the role they play in the prevention and management of either pain or OUD in this unique and important setting. A framework that conceptualizes and optimizes emergency nurses as change agents in the opioid epidemic is urgently needed. While ED pain management and OUD prevention is dependent on the entire care team, this innovative study qualitatively characterizes emergency nurse perceptions of pain management, OUD prevention, and their potential role in each. Content analysis produced 14 categories that were clustered into two themes, “nurses influence ED pain management” and “adjustments in ED pain management”, and an overarching message that “pain management depends on the care team.” By generating a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the role played by emergency nurses, our findings provide essential insights into potential interventions and frameworks.

A national survey on cancer pain management among medical oncologists in the Philippines.

e24071 Background: Pain is one of the most burdensome symptoms of cancer. Although cancer pain management is an integral component in the practice of oncology, many patients still complain of insufficient pain control. Therefore, there is a need to pursue and strengthen strategies on how to adequately and effectively manage cancer pain. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Filipino medical oncologists regarding cancer pain management. It also examined the practices and perceived barriers in managing cancer pain. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which utilized a validated questionnaire designed to assess a physician’s knowledge on pain management and opioid therapy, perceptions of the adequacy of cancer pain management, and significance of various potential barriers in optimal cancer pain management. Results: Out of the 280 PSMO members practicing in the Philippines, 85 responded to the survey. Using numeric rating scales of 0 to 10, medical oncologists appeared to agree on their knowledge about opioid therapy as well as in their perceptions of pain management. Respondents have rated themselves highly (Med: 8; IQR 6-8) in their ability to manage cancer pain. There were similar responses to ascribing all potential barriers as significant in rendering optimal cancer pain management, with cost as the most considerable factor (Med: 8, IQR: 7-10). However, given two challenging clinical scenarios, 66% and 90%, respectively endorsed treatment decisions that were unacceptable to pain experts. Conclusions: In this study, Filipino medical oncologists have shown agreement on their knowledge but perceived significant barriers in cancer pain management, with cost as the most considerable factor. Educational strategies, positive attitudinal change, and multidisciplinary collaboration with pain or palliative care specialists should be strengthened to improve patient care.

Comparison of Postoperative Pain Management Outcomes in the United States and China.

To compare pain management outcomes in postoperative patients from an American hospital and a Chinese hospital. A convenience sample of 244 patients in the United States and 268 patients in China with similar surgical sites completed the American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire-Revised (APS-POQ-R) and the Pain Management Index (PMI) was calculated on their first postoperative day. Patients in the United States reported a higher score on the “perception of pain management” subscale of the APS-POQ-R and a higher proportion of adequate treatment as measured by the PMI (85.2% vs. 39.0%, p < .001). Patient education and degrees of pain relief predicted patient satisfaction with pain management (item in APS-POQ-R) in patients from both countries. A higher level of compliance with pain management guidelines has contributed to a higher level of perception in patients in the United States. Establishing procedure-specific protocols and clinical pathways may improve pain management outcomes for Chinese patients.

Evaluate construct validity of the Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire in gynecological postoperative patients using confirmatory factor analysis

BackgroundThe Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ-R) evaluates the patient-reported quality of pain management in adults. A validated APS-POQ-R is pivotal to guide effective pain management with better patient satisfaction. Previous studies revealed that subscales of “patients’ perception of pain management” were unstable cross-culturally. This study aims to evaluate the construct validity of the APS-POQ-R in gynecological postoperative patients with a multi-cultural background using confirmatory factor analysis to allow comparisons among different a priori models at the latent factor level.MethodsPatients aged 18 years old or above and who were scheduled for gynecology surgery were selected. Three different models with a combination of latent factors were based on a priori hypotheses from previous studies. The root-mean-squared error of approximation, comparative fit index, Tucker-Lewis Index, Chi-squared test, and change in Chi-squared statistic given a change in degrees of freedom between models were used to assess the model fit to the present data.ResultsA total of 302 patients completed the questionnaire. The five-factor model which was based on Gordon’s study has an acceptable fit for the data and was superior when compared to the one-factor baseline model. Although the four-factor model, which originated from Botti’s study, also demonstrates a good model fit, the “perception of care” construct was excluded in this model. The “perception of care” construct is conceptually important as patient-centered care has become the focus of quality improvement of pain service.ConclusionsThe APS-POQ-R is easy to administer and is useful for quality evaluation in postoperative pain management. The present study demonstrates that a five-factor structure of the APS-POQ-R is the best fitting model in our patient sample. The results of this study provide further evidence to support the use of APS-POQ-R as a measurement tool for pain management evaluation in acute postoperative patients with a multi-cultural background.

Pain in Youth With Sickle Cell Disease: A Report From the Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program.

Pain is prevalent among youth with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, previous research has been limited by small sample sizes and lacked examinations of developmental differences in pain, which are critical to minimizing the development of chronic pain as youth transition into adulthood. The primary aim of the current study was to compare pain and pain interference across 4 developmental groups in a large sample of youth with SCD. The secondary aim was to identify risk factors for greater pain and pain interference. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, the expression and predictors of pain and pain interference were compared across 4 developmental stages: toddlers/preschoolers (2 to 4 y), school-aged children (5 to 7 y), preadolescents (8 to 12 y), and adolescents (13 to 18 y). Participants included 386 youth with SCD and their caregivers. Caregiver-reported pain and pain interference and youth-reported pain interference increased across developmental groups and plateaued approaching adolescence (multivariate analyses of variance P=0.002 for pain and P<0.001 for pain interference). Elevated fatigue, anxiety, and perceived difficulties with pain management were the most robust predictors of higher youth- and caregiver-reported pain (βs ranging from 0.15 to 0.68; P<0.001) and pain interference (βs ranging from 0.18 to 0.64; P<0.001). Disease and treatment-related variables were not associated with pain. Self-reported pain was elevated in older versus younger developmental groups and was largely linked to anxiety, fatigue, and perceptions of pain management, thus highlighting the modifiable nature of factors influencing pain among youth with SCD.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improve Pain Management and Satisfaction in a Trauma Population.

An adult trauma center identified pain management as a potential area for improvement. Pain management is at the height of discussion in medical centers across the United States. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and System (HCAHPS) scores relating to pain management were consistently low (<5th percentile). This project was designed to use a collaborative and systematic approach to pain management to improve HCAHPS pain management scores. This is an evaluation of a quality improvement project using a before-and-after design with historical control. Using HCAHPS data to evaluate patients' pain management perceptions, an integrative three-pronged approach was developed and implemented: (1) development of a trauma nurse leadership program, (2) collaboration with pain management providers, and (3) modifications made to the trauma admission order set. Trauma nurse leaders educated patients and families regarding pain management goals and expectations utilizing a standardized script. HCAHPS survey data obtained before and after the intervention showed a significant improvement in patient satisfaction. HCAHPS scores on the three pain questions prior to intervention in Quarters 2 and 3 (Q2-3) 2017 had a mean of less than the 5th percentile. After intervention, HCAHPS scores on the three pain questions improved to a mean of more than the 60th percentile on Q4 2018. Implementation of a pain management strategy involving a three-pronged approach of a dedicated trauma nurse leadership program, collaboration with a pain management team, and evaluation and modification of a trauma admission order set was associated with an improvement in communication about pain with the trauma patients and HCAHPS pain satisfaction scores.

Pain Management in an Adult Sickle Cell Infusion Center: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract &#x0D; Background and Purpose&#x0D; The purpose of this quality improvement project was to change the admission/treatment process for patients during sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis with the intent of positively influencing patients’ perceptions of pain management and improving patient satisfaction ratings.&#x0D; Method&#x0D; A structured survey regarding demographic data and patients experiences were obtained from 30 participants from the sickle cell clinic. &#x0D; Results&#x0D; An overall 63% (n-19) satisfaction rating among patients with the sickle cell infusion clinic revised process in comparison to the old process of presenting to the emergency room for treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; The change in the process for admission/treatment positively influence their perception of managing their pain during vaso-occlusive crisis.&#x0D; Implications for Practice&#x0D; Although there was overall satisfaction with the new process, having an additional nurse during this time appeared to have decreased door to first dose of intravenous pain medication time. Therefore, the idea of adding a FTE to this operation is supported.

Resident Knowledge and Perception of Pain Management.

Chronic pain involves a complex mechanism that afflicts 50 million adults in the United States and incurs societal costs upwards of $560 billion annually. The consequences of this epidemic have resulted in an epidemic of its own, with the opioid crisis becoming a top priority in healthcare. Historically, the sub-optimal practices of overprescribing opioids and inadequate monitoring of iatrogenic addiction have contributed to this problem. If progress is to be made in this area, it is imperative that we examine how future physicians are being trained to manage pain. We examined internal medicine resident knowledge regarding pain as well as their satisfaction with medical school preparation in this regard using two surveys: The Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) and The Medical School Pain Curriculum Survey (MSPCS). Residents scored an overall 60.7% on the knowledge assessment survey, and less than 50% of respondents agreed that their medical school curriculum had prepared them sufficiently. This suggests that improvements can be made in medical school curricula regarding pain management education to better train physicians on how to manage pain, particularly in an era that demands expertise in this area.

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

BackgroundOver 50% of patients with heart failure (HF) report suffering from pain and pain-related burdens; however, pain in HF patients has not been recognized or well treated. Few studies have comprehensively examined pain management in patients with HF from nurses’ perception. AimsTo investigate nurses’ perception of pain management in HF patients. MethodsMembers of American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey. ResultsA 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 that pain should be individually assessed and managed. More than 80% thought pain management practice in HF patients should be improved, and 78.1% were interested in getting more information and believed an online education module was the most preferable approach. Lack of pain assessment tools, drug addiction, side effect, overuse, underuse, and contraindication with other medications were the main concerns regarding opioid use in pain management in HF. The gaps in pain management in HF patients included lack of knowledge of opioid use, lack of consideration and awareness of pain, no clinical guidelines for pain assessment and treatment, and complicated pain management with multiple chronic conditions. ConclusionsThe impact of pain and need for individual assessment and management of pain in HF patients were perceived by nurses; improvement in pain management practice in HF patients is needed. Concerns regarding opioid use and gaps in pain management of HF patients should be addressed.

Implementation of an enhanced recovery program framework in medical oncology.

66 Background: Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) apply multi-modal approaches to manage symptoms, decrease complications, and reduce length of stay (LOS). Widely adopted in surgical settings, there is limited evidence of their implementation in non-surgical patient cohorts. An ERP was implemented in a medical oncology population at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. The aim of this quality improvement initiative was to evaluate the implementation of an enhanced recovery framework and determine feasibility in medical oncology. Methods: Enhanced recovery in medical oncology (ERMO) was implemented using Plan, Do, Study, Act methodology. Implementation included introduction of integrative medicine, opioid sparing alternatives, fluid and nutrition management, and functional mobility. Outcome measures included symptom distress as measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), return to intended oncologic therapy (RIOT), LOS, and opioid use, evaluated from January 2017 through April 2018. Results: A total of 50 patients were evaluated during the program implementation, and compared with 49 control patients retrospectively reviewed prior to ERMO implementation. Average LOS for ERMO patients was 7.3 days compared to 5.5 days for the control group. Time to RIOT averaged 18.9 days for control patients (n = 30) versus 20.8 days for ERMO patients (n = 17). Nineteen patients (38%) had a reduction in morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) from admission to discharge, with an average MEDD of 328.47 milligrams per patient. Conclusions: ERMO as a framework is feasible. The patient reported outcomes such as ESAS and RIOT, and barriers to implementation, including participant engagement and patient pain management perceptions, should be evaluated in the context of larger clinical trials.

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

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.

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

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.