Importance of pain assessment, documentation, and education among nurses caring for critically Ill patients: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: The present study examines the importance of pain assessment, documentation, and education among nurses caring for critically ill patients. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a convenience sample of 200 nurses working in acute care settings of hospitals in Irbid, Jordan. Data were gathered via self-administered questionnaires. Eight items of the pain aassessment and management for critically ill questionnaire were used in this study to measure the importance of pain assessment, documentation, and education for nurses caring for critically ill patients. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between the use of pain assessment tools for patients’ able self-report and the importance of assessment tools. The nurses rated pain assessment in intensive care units patients with burns as being the most extremely important. Regarding the importance of assessing the need for pre-emptive analgesia before specific procedures, the most often rated as extremely important to do was the invasive line placement procedure. Most participants used the guidelines of clinical practice recommendations of the American Society of Pain Management Nursing for the assessment and management of pain. Conclusions: Poor pain assessment, documentation, and education are significant problems demanding a constructive re-appraisal of the present pain practices. Improving pain assessment, documentation, and education via extensive educational programs and campaigns is essential for optimal pain practice.