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Research Article

Critical care nurses' perceived barriers and enablers of pain assessment and management

    Mohammad Rababa

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: mjrababa@just.edu.jo

    Department of Adult Health Nursing, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan

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    ,
    Shatha Al-Sabbah

    Department of Adult Health Nursing, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan

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    ,
    Audai A Hayajneh

    Department of Adult Health Nursing, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan

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    &
    Sami Al-Rawashdeh

    Department of Community & Mental Health- Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan

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    Published Online:14 Dec 2022https://doi.org/10.2217/pmt-2022-0075

    Abstract

    Aim: To examine critical care nurses' perceived barriers and enablers of pain assessment and management. Materials/methods: This descriptive correlational study recruited a convenience sample of 200 Jordanian nurses. Pain Assessment and Management for the Critically Ill questionnaire was used to measure the study variables. Results: The most common barriers to pain assessment and management were patient inability to communicate (57.5%), patient instability (56.5%), and the lack of protocols/guidelines for pain assessment (55.0%). Whereas the most common enablers for effective pain management practices were the ongoing education on pain for nurses (60.5%) and physicians who prescribe adequate doses of analgesia (60.0%). Conclusion: Addressing nurses' perceived barriers and the enablers of pain assessment and management is crucial for optimal pain practice.

    Plain language summary

    This descriptive study recruited 200 Jordanian nurses to measure their perceived barriers and enablers of pain assessment and management in critical care patients. The most common barriers to pain assessment and management were the patient's inability to communicate, patient instability and the lack of guidelines for pain assessment. The most common enablers for effective pain management practices were the ongoing education on pain for nurses and physicians who prescribe adequate painkillers. Addressing nurses' perceived barriers and the enablers of pain assessment and management is crucial for optimal pain practice. The study has several implications for nursing education, practice and research.

    Tweetable abstract

    Addressing nurses' perceived barriers and the enablers of pain assessment and management is crucial for optimal pain practice.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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