Healthcare Workers' Pain Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Patients with Chronic Pain

This study aimed to evaluate healthcare professionals' beliefs about pain and their attitudes toward patients with chronic pain.

This study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional design.

The sample consisted of 191 healthcare professionals working in various healthcare institutions. Data were collected using the Healthcare Professionals' Attitudes Toward Patients with Chronic Pain Scale and the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and correlation analyses were performed.

The mean scores for the sensitivity orientation and misconception subscales of the Attitudes Toward Patients with Chronic Pain Scale were 4.1 ± 0.7 and 3.4 ± 0.8, respectively. Regarding the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire, the mean scores for the organic and psychological beliefs subscales were 4.3 ± 0.9 and 4.8 ± 1.0, respectively. Attitudes toward patients with chronic pain significantly differed according to gender, profession, and clinical department, with nurses and surgical unit staff demonstrating higher sensitivity orientation scores (p < .05). Additionally, a weak negative correlation was found between weekly working hours and organic pain beliefs (r = -0.170, p = .05).

Healthcare professionals' beliefs and attitudes toward chronic pain are influenced by gender, profession, and clinical work area. Variations across professional groups and departments suggest the presence of contextual and educational factors affecting pain perception and patient approach.

These findings highlight the need to strengthen pain management education programs and promote multidisciplinary approaches in clinical settings to improve attitudes toward patients with chronic pain and ensure more holistic pain management.