49th Annual Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice Conference

Biography

Biography: Ahmad Bajjali

Abstract

Background:  Pain management is a very necessary aspect of nursing care of pediatric patients. nurses play a vital role in managing pediatrics' pain. Proper  assessment, adequate intervention, and evaluation of pain relief measures are important for positive outcomes. The need of this study in Palestine has been raised due to lack of facilities, protocols, educational programs and insufficient training materials in Palestine. Ultimately Palestinian children are suffering of pain and pain become poorly managed. Purpose of this study was to assess level of knowledge and attitudes of pediatric nurses regarding pain management in Palestinian hospitals in West Bank. Instrument: The pediatric nurses' knowledge and attitudes survey (PNKAS) was used in this study to assess the level of nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management in children among pediatric nurses in Palestinian hospitals. Method: This descriptive, quantitative cross sectional study was performed at 14 hospitals among 256 nurses who work in general pediatric wards in West Bank. Results: The total mean score on PNKAS scale was 50.4%, highest score was 84.8%, and lowest score was 25%. The majority of participants 213(83%) had less than 60% of correct answers, while 39(15%) of nurses their scores were between 60-79%. However only 4(2%) nurses who had 80% or above in PNKAS scores. Most nurses demonstrated lack of knowledge about pain management. 98.4% of nurses had misconception about incidence of opioid addiction, 94.9% of them also had knowledge deficit about incidence of respiratory depression in opioid management, and 91% of nurses believe that children over-report their pain. The findings of this study showed that pediatric nurses in Palestine have insufficient knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management. Recommendations: Educational programs, continuous training may be beneficial related to this issue.