Effect of a Pain Management E-Module on Competency of Critical Care Nurses in Al-Qassem Health Cluster in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effect of a validated Critical Care Pain Management (CPAM) e-module on the competency of critical care nurses in the Al-Qassem Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia. Study Design: Quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design with a control group. Place and Duration of Study: Four hospitals within the Al-Qassem Health Cluster, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study and intervention were conducted over an eight-month period. Methodology: A total of 194 critical care nurses were recruited and equally assigned to control (n = 97) and intervention (n = 97) groups using stratified random sampling. Baseline competency was measured using the Pain Management Competency Scale for Nurses (PMCSN). The intervention group completed a validated CPAM e-module, while the control group did not receive the intervention. Post-intervention competency was assessed using the same instrument. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Independent and paired-samples t-tests were used to evaluate differences between and within groups. Results: Baseline comparisons indicated higher competency scores in the intervention group than in the control group, suggesting a pre-existing difference between groups prior to the intervention. Following completion of the CPAM e-module, the intervention group demonstrated substantial improvement in overall pain management competency compared with the control group. Within-group analysis also showed a significant increase in competency scores after the intervention. Improvements were observed across competency domains, including pain assessment, pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, management of analgesic side effects, patient education, and professional development. Conclusion: The CPAM e-module effectively improved pain management competency among critical care nurses. Structured digital educational interventions can support continuing professional development and strengthen evidence-based pain management practices in critical care settings.