The role of nurses’ knowledge and attitudes in postoperative pain management

Background

In managing postoperative pain, the knowledge and attitudes of nurses about pain are crucial. Effective postoperative pain management ensures satisfaction with the nursing care provided to patients by increasing patients’ comfort.

Aim

This study aims to determine the relationship between nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards pain and patients’ postoperative pain outcomes.

Methods

This cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out with 151 patients who had surgical intervention and 43 nurses who provided care to these patients. “Data Collection Forms for Patients and Nurses” and “The Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain” were used in data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques, independent sample t-test, variance, and Pearson correlation analysis. The results were assessed at a 95% confidence level, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was used.

Findings

There was a positive correlation between nurses’ knowledge and attitude levels and patients’ pain levels. Nurses with higher levels of knowledge and attitudes about pain used nonpharmacological approaches more frequently. However, there was no relationship between nurses’ knowledge and attitudes and patients’ satisfaction with pain management.

Conclusion

While nurses’ knowledge and attitude toward pain management have a positive effect on reducing postoperative pain, they do not affect patient satisfaction with pain management. Further exploration of the factors influencing the effectiveness of pain management and patients satisfaction with postoperative pain management are recommended.