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Relationship Between Ethical Sensitivity and Pain Management Self-Efficacy Among Intensive Care Nurses
Sevda Korkut1, Büşra Nur Özel Akyürek2
1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye.
Summary
ICU nurses
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Medical Ethics
- Pain Management
Background:
- Pain management in intensive care units (ICUs) presents complex challenges.
- Effective pain management is recognized as a fundamental human right and an ethical obligation for healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- This study investigated the relationship between ethical sensitivity and pain management self-efficacy in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.
- Understanding this relationship can inform strategies to improve patient care and nurse training.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, correlational study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 416 ICU nurses using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ), and Pain Management Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PMSEQ).
Main Results:
- A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between ethical sensitivity (MSQ) and pain management self-efficacy (PMSEQ) scores (r = -0.156, p = .001).
- Regression analysis indicated that ethical sensitivity, age, and ethics/pain training significantly predicted pain management self-efficacy, explaining 41% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.411).
Conclusions:
- Both ethical sensitivity and pain management self-efficacy were at a moderate level among ICU nurses.
- Findings highlight the importance of continuous training in pain management and ethical approaches for nurses.
- Personal and professional factors, including ethical sensitivity and training, significantly influence nurses' self-efficacy in managing patient pain.
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