Knowledge and Attitudes about Pain Management: A Comparison of Oncology and Non-Oncology Jordanian Nurses

Optimal pain management is one of the most important aspects of patient care. Nurses play a pivotal role effective in pain management. The aim of this study is explore and describe oncology and non-oncology Jordanian nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management. The study sample consisted of 263 nurses from three hospitals in Jordan. The Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (NKASRP) was used to measure the nurses' pain management knowledge and attitudes. Of the nurses who participated in the study, 64% were between the ages of 21 and 32 years, with a mean age of 30.9 years (SD 5.7). A total of 89% of the nurses had a baccalaureate degree. The mean years of nursing experience were 7.3 (SD 5.3). The average correct response rate was 42.7%, ranging from 10.5% to 75%. Out of the 40 pain knowledge questions assessed, the mean number of correctly answered questions was 17.1 (SD 5.0), with a range of 4 to 30. No significant differences between nurses' characteristics and pain knowledge were found. Nurses' pain knowledge differed significantly according their educational level (P = 0.020), previous pain education related to cancer (P < 0.007), regular cancer pain care (P = 0.010), knowledge score and attendance of conferences related to pain management (P = 0.002), knowledge score and in-services training, modules, protocols and other knowledge and skills related to pain management (P = 0.004), knowledge score and nurses' rate of their experience with pain (P < 0.001), and adequate professional training preparation in regard to pain management (P < 0.001). The present study in Jordan provides important information about knowledge deficits in pain management. Pain education content and allocated hours in nursing curricula need to be evaluated for their adequacy and reformed accordingly. In addition, regular courses on pain management for nurses within their clinical setting are highly recommended.