Knowledge levels and attitudes of student nurses regarding pain and pain management

Abstract

As the result of a concern for patients dying in pain, this study investigated the knowledge levels and attitudes of student nurses regarding pain and pain management. Two hundred and forty students, immediately prior to registration, from five polytechnics in New Zealand participated in the study. Using a descriptive, correlation design, data was collected by using a thirty-nine item questionnaire developed by Ferrell and McCaffery (1987), 'Nurses' Knowledge and Attitude Survey' and a profile sheet which identified socio-demographic details. The findings indicate that student nurses have poor attitudes and/or knowledge especially related to both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical management of pain. The only socio-demographic variable found to relate to knowledge levels and attitudes was ethnicity. Non-pakeha students scored at a lower level than pakeha students. Possible reasons for such a finding are discussed, including the cross-cultural reliability and validity of the tool and the cultural appropriateness of curricula of nursing programs. The discussion focuses on reasons why the knowledge deficits identified continue to be found in nursing populations and recommends curriculum review in relation to pain (content, teaching process and resources). It suggests that nurse educators involved in the teaching of pain (both in theoretical and clinical situations) be part of the review process. The review should also determine if the content and delivery is appropriate for non-pakeha students at both pre-registration and post-registration levels.