Nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management in hospitalized adults

Pain management is a key component of patient satisfaction and well-being in acute care settings. Nurses spend more time with patients than any other members of the health care team and play a major role in pain management.

This descriptive study in an urban tertiary care hospital explored the knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses regarding pain management. A modified version of the Ferrell and McCaffery Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain was used.

Forty-nine percent of respondents achieved a passing score of 80% or more. Pharmacology questions were the least likely to be answered correctly. Negative correlations were found between score and demographic variables of age and experience. A positive correlation between score and educational level was noted.

Nurses require ongoing education on pain management, particularly pharmaceutical agents. However, this education alone is insufficient to substantively improve patients' pain experiences.