Impact of culture on pain management: an Australian nursing perspective

Pain assessment and pain management are complex tasks. Knowledge and beliefs of patients, physicians, and nurses about pain are key determinants of clinical decision making. Despite new theoretical insights, routine approaches to pain assessment and management persist in practice. Culture is a potent force in shaping beliefs, behavior, and meaning about pain. In health care contexts, there may be conflict between care and cure and differing perceptions about the role and status of nurses that impinge on the provision of pain relief. The article explores aspects of culture, knowledge, and belief and their influence on pain management from an Australian perspective.