Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurses in Bahrain Regarding Pain Management in Adult Patients with SCD

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Unmanaged pain is a widespread problem that many SCD patients face daily. SCD pain can be either acute or chronic. Unmanaged pain increases the morbidity and mortality rate in SCD patients; moreover, it has devastating effects on the quality of life. Aim and objective: To assess the level of knowledge and attitudes of nursing staff working in sickle cell disease units in the Kingdom of Bahrain regarding pain management for adult SCD patients. Methodology/Design: A positivist, quantitative study approach was used. Method: The sample in this study consisted of 30 staff nurses working in adult SCD wards. Staff nurses were asked to complete the demographic data section and the modified Nurses' Knowledge and Attitude Survey Regarding Pain Management tool Results: The results of the study showed that a mean score of 15.8 ± 3 (47.8%) out of 33 was achieved by staff nurses regarding SCD pain management. The data showed that staff nurses demonstrated significant knowledge deficits and negative attitudes regarding pain management. In addition, no significant relationship was found between the demographic data (age, nationality, level of education, year of working experience, attendance of pain management course) of staff nurses and their knowledge and attitudes regarding SCD pain management. Conclusion: The results were consistent with previous studies that show a lack of knowledge and negative attitudes regarding pain assessment and management. Implications for practice: The findings of this study suggest the need for the development of specific strategies to effectively educate staff nurses about pain assessment and management, as well as to integrate pain management as a major component of in-service programs and undergraduate nursing curriculum to improve patient outcomes