Effect of Educational Programs on Knowledge and Attitudes of Surgical Nurses Regarding Pain in Taif Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Previous literature revealed that patients experiencing unnecessary pain after surgery. Unalleviated pain following surgery increases patients’ morbidity and mortality. Nurses play a central role in pain assessment and management. Thus evidence-based knowledgeable is essential for nurses  to provide a high-quality care of pain. Pain educational programs have a positive effect on nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain which is reflected on nurses' ability to manage pain with high level of competency.

Methodology: The sample composed of a convenience sample of 90 nurses working in the acute surgical wards of hospitals in Taif City. Data were collected before and after conducting an educational pain program using demographic data and ‘Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain’ (NKAS) questionnaires to assess the knowledge and attitudes base of nurses working in these acute surgical settings.

Results: After completing the pain program, a statistically significant relationship was found between the nurses’ level of education (p = 0.03) and years of experience (p=0.01) with their NKAS scores. There are statically significant differences between scores before and after attending the educational pain program for both types of nurses. The pain educational program improved nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards pain assessment and management (p<0.05).      

Discussion: The results are consistent with the results of previous studies. The results of this study could help nursing managers set policies for their nurses about attending specific pain programs and develop a strong pain reporting system. In addition, results could encourage nursing colleges to include more standardized pain material in their curricula.