Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes about Pain Assessment and Management in Imam Hussein Medical City in Holy Karbala

Abstract

Background: Pain is a physical and emotional distressing sensation that is associated with tissue damage,
both actual and potential. Inadequate pain management has been shown to affect patient outcomes by
prolonging the hospitalization period and delaying the recovery process; therefore, pain management has
significant implications. A descriptive-analytic (quasi-experimental) design was conducted to determine
the effectiveness of an educational program on nurses’ knowledge and attitudes about pain assessment and
management in imam Hussein medical city in holy Karbala
Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was used to guide this study, it was applied by use of the pre
and post-test approach for two groups of samples (study and control). It was conducted at the Imam Hussein
medical city during the period from 15th November 2020 to 9th March 2021.
Results: The study findings show that participants’ age group at a level (20-29 years) were (63.3%) of the
study group, and (53.3%) of the control group. (50.0%) of the study group were male, while (46.7%) of the
control groups were female.
Findings showed that the total mean score was unacceptable level for both study and control groups before
giving intervention, while a good level for the study group post-intervention, regarding the knowledge and
attitude of pain assessment and management. Highly statistically significant differences in post-test for the
study group as compared with the control groups for knowledge and attitude domains.
Conclusion: The study indicates that the education program had a positive effect on nurse’s knowledge and
attitude about pain assessment and management. This conclusion is based on the result of our study that
reveals significant differences between pre-intervention and post-intervention.
Recommendations: The study recommended that educational and training programs be routinely provided
to develop their knowledge and attitude, and keep them up to date on pain management, also, the distribution
of the applied educational program of this study as a booklet or posters for the hospital staff.