KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF NURSES TOWARDS PAIN MANAGEMENT AMONG THE ELDERLY : A case study of registered nurses from the local healthcare centers, Kokkola
Kipkorir, Christopher (2012)
Kipkorir, Christopher
Keski-Pohjanmaan ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201202152226
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201202152226
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of the study was to describe the level of knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses working in health care centre wards in charge of the elderly patients. In order to achieve that, the registered nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes towards pain management was investigated and the factors that affects on their decision making process concerning pain management explored.
The research was conducted via quantitative descriptive research; there were 56 (n) nurse respondents representing 70% of the total sample from the two nursing institutions involved in the research. A closed-ended questionnaire with 25 questions was used as a tool for data collection after piloting. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics from SPPS version 19. Ethical considerations in research were taken into consideration in all phases of the research that its acknowledgement was needed.
Three research questions were addressed in order to deal with the research purpose. The questions addressed the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes, pain assessment and factors influencing the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes in regards to pain management. It emerged that the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes was satisfactory but more focus should be based on pain assessment as it is the core foundation of managing pain. Work experience, reading of articles or journals and its practical application, occupational status and having had previous experiences in pain management were attributed to the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes towards pain management.
Nursing institutions should be responsible for enhancement and development of their employees. They should develop institutional guidelines based on their patients needs. However, nurses should be on the forefront in ensuring that their knowledge needs are met. Reading evidence-based articles or journals and applying the knowledge gained can assist in achieving this.
The research was conducted via quantitative descriptive research; there were 56 (n) nurse respondents representing 70% of the total sample from the two nursing institutions involved in the research. A closed-ended questionnaire with 25 questions was used as a tool for data collection after piloting. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics from SPPS version 19. Ethical considerations in research were taken into consideration in all phases of the research that its acknowledgement was needed.
Three research questions were addressed in order to deal with the research purpose. The questions addressed the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes, pain assessment and factors influencing the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes in regards to pain management. It emerged that the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes was satisfactory but more focus should be based on pain assessment as it is the core foundation of managing pain. Work experience, reading of articles or journals and its practical application, occupational status and having had previous experiences in pain management were attributed to the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes towards pain management.
Nursing institutions should be responsible for enhancement and development of their employees. They should develop institutional guidelines based on their patients needs. However, nurses should be on the forefront in ensuring that their knowledge needs are met. Reading evidence-based articles or journals and applying the knowledge gained can assist in achieving this.