Quantitative study of oncology nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards pain management in Saudi Arabian hospitals
- Authors: Alqahtani, Mohammed , Jones, Linda
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Journal of Oncology Nursing Vol. 19, no. 1 (2015), p. 44-49
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- Description: Pain is an unpleasant human experience, often associated with underlying medical conditions, and a key reason for individuals experiencing pain to seek medical advice. However, the pain experience is unique and subjective, and affects people's quality of life, as well as impacting on their concerned family members. Optimal pain management requires adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and competent pain assessment measures. It has been reported that oncology nurses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have inadequate knowledge, assessment skills and management of pain. Objective: This paper aims to examine nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management in Saudi Arabian hospitals (SA). Method: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 320 nurses exhibiting considerable racial, cultural, religious and professional diversity, working in oncology units at five hospitals in the KSA. Self-completed survey questionnaires were distributed using the 'Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain' (KASRP) tool. Results: The nurses exhibited a relatively poor overall knowledge of pain management (mean score=45.1%; 95% CI=43.9%, 46.2%). The mean KASRP scores varied significantly at α=0.05 with respect to the nurses' nationality, whether they had attended pain-related courses, and whether they had participated in research. Conclusion: The results indicate the urgency needed to reform pain management education for oncology nurses in the KSA. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
Organisational barriers to effective pain management amongst oncology nurses in Saudi Arabia
- Authors: Alqahtani, Mohammed , Jones, Linda , Holroyd, Eleanor
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Hospital Administration Vol. 5, no. 1 (2015), p. 81-89
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- Description: Cancer pain is a multi-dimensional syndrome with a combination of acute and chronic pain that causes physical, psycho-social, behavioural, emotional and spiritual problems resulting in adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Nurses need to be well prepared with knowledge on pain assessment and management techniques in oncology units, due to their vital role in the decision-making process regarding pain management. However, limited research has been conducted regarding nurses’ barriers regarding pain management in oncology units, especially in Saudi Arabia. The overall aim of this study was to explore the nurses’ perceived barriers that hinder the delivery of effective pain management to cancer patients. Five focus group discussions were conducted using a purposive sampling of six to eight nurses in each group, with a total of 35 oncology nurses. The results of focus group analysis revealed two main thematic categories with associated sub themes, being nurses’ workloads, and the absence of health team collaboration. This study provides an increased awareness of the barriers that may hinder the efficacy of pain management provided to cancer patients in Saudi Arabia context. Significant implications will benefit nursing practice, administration and education, in addition to identifying potential future research.