Factors enhancing critical care nurses' utilization frequency of behavioral pain assessment tools for critically ill...

This study investigated the factors associated with nurses' often and routine utilization of behavioral pain assessment tools for critically ill adults unable to self-report.

Few studies have explored the factors associated with critical care nurses' utilization frequency of behavioral pain assessment tools.

This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to collect data from critical care nurses. Descriptive statistics and multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to present collected data and identify the associated factors.

We received responses from 477 nurses. Respondents were classified into three utilization frequency groups-infrequent (≤50 %), often (51-75 %), or routine (>75 %)-use of behavioral pain assessment tools. Factors associated with nurses' often or routine use of behavioral pain assessment tools included receipt of relevant training, perceptions that pain assessment tools and frequent pain assessment and documentation as being extremely important, and being employed at institutions where pain assessment tools were available. Working in surgical units was associated with often use of behavioral pain assessment tools, whereas routine discussion of pain assessment findings during nursing handovers was associated with routine use.

Routine discussion of pain assessment findings during nursing handovers influenced nurses' utilization frequency of behavioral pain assessment tools. The identified associated factors are modifiable and, therefore, amenable to healthcare quality improvement projects. Well-structured interventions and interprofessional educational programs, including discussion of pain assessment findings during nursing handovers, prioritization of pain healthcare quality, utilization of adequate tools to assess pain, and strategies for effective communication between healthcare providers, should be delivered regularly.