DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC18.207
Authors: Jodie Watkins, Professor Sandra
Abstract:
International studies have demonstrated that the knowledge and attitudes of nurses involved in the assessment and management of patients experiencing pain consistently reveals a deficit [1]. For patients to receive the highest standard of care it is essential that all undergraduate health professionals receive a high level of education in this complex area. In Australia research on pain management practices of student nurses is relatively limited so it is unknown if the same situation exists here. In order to investigate whether they have the necessary competencies and knowledge to provide quality care, a mixed-method nonexperimental research design study was undertaken to evaluate the level of final semester registered nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes towards pain management. The Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) was administered to 55 final semester registered nursing students from two Western Australian Universities, with respondents scoring an average of 64% from the 36-item survey. Statistical analysis of the data identified deficits in participant nurses’ knowledge and attitudes, particularly in pharmacology and opioid administration. Six respondents were interviewed following administration of the survey. It was revealed that they believed their current levels of knowledge surrounding pain management and assessment was basic at best. Furthermore, they believed the curriculum content learnt at university was insufficient to their learning needs and that it was not until they commenced clinical practicum in the healthcare setting that they acquired authentic knowledge in managing pain. There is growing awareness that current clinical education models may not provide the most effective learning experiences for nursing students [2]. Despite the number of mandatory practicum hours, it is a common complaint that there is a significant gap between current nursing practice and the education to be work-ready[3]. It has also been noted that inappropriate attitudes towards pain management are at times demonstrated by both nurses and nursing students[4]. Results from this research are consistent with other studies and support a widespread concern regarding inadequacy in the knowledge and attitudes of student nurse’s regarding pain and its’ management. It is anticipated that educational initiatives to improve students’ knowledge and attitudes in this area could assist to enhance nurses’ awareness and possibly lead to improved practices.
Keywords: Pain management, knowledge, attitude, pain assessment, Registered Nurse student, nursing education
Updating...