Nurses Knowledge and Attitudes on Pain Management in Children at the Tamale West Hospital

Abstract

Background: Pain is one of the worse symptoms experienced by hospitalized patients and the major reason for seeking medical and surgical intervention. Despite the existence of guidelines on pain assessment and management, children continue to experience unrelieved pain during hospitalization. Purpose: The study aimed at assessing Nurses Knowledge on Paediatric Pain Assessment and Management at the Tamale West Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 registered nurses at the Tamale West Hospital in Ghana. The consecutive sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data was collected using the Pediatric Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain. Findings: The study revealed that majority of nurses at the Tamale West Hospital in Ghana have insufficient knowledge toward pain in children. There is the urgent need to intensify education in this area so as to adequately prepare these nurses to cater for the pain needs of vulnerable children and their families. Recommendations: Future studies should focus on how student’s theoretical knowledge and attitudes are linked to pediatric pain assessment and management practices.