Improving pain management by nurses: A pilot Peer Intervention Program

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Pain Management
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Despite educational efforts, hospitalized patients frequently report significant pain.
• Existing pain management strategies often fall short, necessitating innovative approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a theoretically based Peer Intervention Program designed to enhance nurses' pain management practices.
• To address nurses' beliefs, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions regarding p.r.n. (as required) narcotic analgesia.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental pre-post test pilot study was conducted.
• Three conditions were implemented: patient intervention, nurse and patient intervention, and a control group.
• The study involved 24 nurses in the patient intervention, 18 in the nurse and patient intervention, and 19 in the control group.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed between the nurse and patient intervention group compared to other conditions.
• Improvements were noted in nurses' beliefs, self-efficacy, perceived control, attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions.
• Supportive peer discussions and increased awareness of behavioral influences were key positive outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The Peer Intervention Program demonstrated effectiveness in modifying nurses' cognitive and intentional aspects of pain management.
• Peer support and awareness of psychological factors are crucial for improving nursing pain management behaviors.
• Further research can build upon this model to enhance patient pain relief.