Intensive Care Nurses' Use of the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool

Pain is an unpleasant experience and can cause adverse physiological effects such as tissue hypoxia, increased catabolism and immune dysfunction. Behavioral pain assessment tools are used for patients unable to self-report, and it is important for nurses to use these tools appropriately. This study aimed to examine Critical Care Pain Observation Tool Japanese version (CPOT-J) use by nurses in adult intensive care units (ICUs) for patients unable to self-report but likely to experience pain, and to identify factors associated with CPOT-J use.

A descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional online survey study.

Nurses working in ICUs in Japan were invited to complete an online questionnaire about their use of the CPOT-J. Factors associated with CPOT-J use were assessed using multivariable regression analysis.

Of the 3,334 nurses invited to complete the questionnaire, 460 (13.8%) responded. Of these, 277 nurses at 55 facilities were included in the analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors, formal education in CPOT-J use and integration of CPOT-J into electronic health record observation items were significantly associated with CPOT-J use.

This study explored the use of the CPOT-J by ICU nurses. Incorporating items from behavioral pain assessment tools into electronic health records and providing formal education on their use could improve pain assessment and management for all patients.

To promote consistent pain assessment in ICUs, healthcare organizations should ensure access to education on the appropriate use of behavioral pain assessment tools and consider integrating these tools into electronic health records.