Paramedics' attitudes and self-assessed competencies for acute pain management: A cross-sectional study

The management of acute pain in prehospital care is inadequate worldwide, despite the prevalence of pain among prehospital patients. Studies have indicated that the attitudes and competencies of paramedics are linked to effective pain management. This study aims to describe the attitudes and self-assessed competencies of paramedics and to identify the relationships between these factors and various background variables.

The data for this descriptive cross-sectional study were collected through an electronic survey distributed to paramedics via social media. The sample included basic-level paramedics, advanced-level paramedics, and emergency medical service field supervisors working in Finland. A total of 156 participants were recruited using convenience sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.

Most paramedics had not received updated education in pain management. Lack of continuing education was associated with more negative attitudes toward the treatment of long-term pain compared to those who had received ongoing training (p < 0.05). A correlation was identified between patient-centered pain management and the educational level of paramedics (p < 0.05). Attitudes toward patients' self-assessment of pain were generally rather negative, regardless of the paramedics' background variables.

The study highlights the deficiencies in acute pain assessment within prehospital care, due to prevailing attitudes. Paramedics exhibit rather negative attitudes toward patients' self-reports of pain, despite generally maintaining a positive outlook on pain management. Cognitively healthy patients should have the opportunity to receive pain management that prioritizes their self-reports of pain. Improved education could potentially foster positive attitudes.