Critical Care Nurses Knowledge, Practice, and Associated Factors Regarding Non-pharmacological Pain Management in Tertiary Care Hospitals, Pakistan

Nurses Working in the Critical Care Unit Regarding Non-Pharmacological Pain Management

Abstract

Pain ranks as one of the top three symptoms experienced globally, particularly concerning for patients in critical care units (CCU). It is managed through both pharmacological means (medications) and various non-pharmacological therapies, which help reduce medication side effects. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and practices of nurses in critical care regarding non-pharmacological pain management (NPPM) and the factors influencing their practices. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional analytical and was conducted among critical nurses from July to September 2024. The sample size of the participants was 184. They were extracted as strata from the study setting, and then the convenience sampling technique was used for data collection. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, while data was analyzed through SPSS version 27.0, and informed consent was taken from each participant. The study was approved by the ethical review committee. Results: The total participants of the study were 184, where female were n=98 (53.3%), nurses in the age group 24-29 were 132 (71.1%), and those having the qualification of a 3-year Registered Nurse (RN) diploma were n=115 (62.4%). The results show that a higher number of nurses have poor knowledge (n=91, 49.5%) and average practices (n=80, 43.5%). Factors such as no official policy, no experience in critical care, and no NPPM use affect nurses' knowledge and practices. Conclusions: On the basis of results, the study established that extensive education and intervention are required to implement the NPPM in the regular practices of nurses for better outcomes.