Relationship Between Ethical Sensitivity and Pain Management Self-Efficacy Among Intensive Care Nurses

Pain management in patients in the intensive care units (ICUs) is highly complex. Pain management is a fundamental human right and an ethical duty. This study examined the relationship between ethical sensitivity and pain management self-efficacy among ICU nurses.

This is a cross-sectional and correlational study.

This study sample consisted of 416 ICU nurses (292 women, 124 men). The "Descriptive Characteristics Form", "Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ)" and "Pain Management Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PMSEQ)" were used to collect the data.

There was a weak, statistically significant correlation between MSQ and PMSEQ total scores (r = -0.156, p = .001). In the regression analysis conducted to determine the predictive effects of ethical sensitivity, age, ethics and pain training factors on pain management self-efficacy, the model was found to be statistically significant (F = 73.337, p < .001) and explained 41% of the variance in pain management self-efficacy (Adjusted R² = 0.411).

This study emphasizes the importance of developing and maintaining the knowledge and sensitivity of ICU nurses about pain management and ethical approaches and the importance of continuing training on the subject throughout their professional lives.

The ethical sensitivity and pain management self-efficacy of nurses working in ICUs were at a moderate level. The pain management self-efficacy was significantly affected by ethical sensitivity, age, and training on ethics and pain. Higher ethical sensitivity is associated with higher levels of pain management self-efficacy. These results reveal that both personal and professional factors play a role in shaping nurses' self-efficacy in pain management.