Evaluating Pain Management Skills and Attitudes among the Emergency Nurses in Najran, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction:

Poorly managed pain in emergency departments can lead to various negative consequences, impacting patients, healthcare professionals, and society at large. Nurses' ignorance about managing patients' reported pains is identified as a key contributor to subpar pain management in the emergency department. This study aimed to contribute valuable insights to promote enhanced pain management practices in Najran, Saudi Arabia's emergency departments.

Methods:

The study employed a cross-sectional design to investigate nursing attitudes and perspectives on pain management in the emergency department in Najran, Saudi Arabia, focusing on nurses from Najran MOH Hospitals. The research, aiming to address a literature gap, examined variables related to pain management attitudes, barriers, and potential solutions. A convenient sample size of 353 participants was determined, utilizing unique identifiers for streamlined data collection, and SPSS version 26 was employed for analysis, incorporating descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical considerations, including IRB approval and informed consent, were integral to the study, ensuring participant rights, confidentiality, and ethical data handling.

Results:

A total sample of 353 nurses were included with a balanced gender distribution (55.5% female, 44.5% male) and an age concentration in the 26-35 range (51.7%) were observed, contextualizing the distribution of pain management skills. The majority of nurses fell into the low skills category (92.8%), while only a minority (7.2%) demonstrated high skills. The analysis revealed misconceptions among nurses, such as the reliability of vital signs (80.2%), decreased pain sensitivity in children under two (48.4%), and the association of distraction with the absence of severe pain (65.9%). Certain factors showed significant associations with pain management skills, as married nurses, those dealing with both male and female patients, and those with higher educational attainment exhibiting more positive attitudes and advanced knowledge in pain management.

Conclusions:

The study reveals a low level of pain management skills among nurses in Saudi Arabia, necessitating training programs for skill enhancement. Significant associations are identified, with married nurses, those handling both genders, and individuals with higher education exhibiting better attitudes and advanced knowledge in pain management, emphasizing the need for nuanced educational interventions to improve patient care outcomes.