Critical care nurses' perceived barriers and enablers of pain assessment and management.

ABSTRACT

Aim: To examine critical care nurses' perceived barriers and enablers of pain assessment and management. Materials/methods: This descriptive correlational study recruited a convenience sample of 200 Jordanian nurses. Pain Assessment and Management for the Critically Ill questionnaire was used to measure the study variables. Results: The most common barriers to pain assessment and management were patient inability to communicate (57.5%), patient instability (56.5%), and the lack of protocols/guidelines for pain assessment (55.0%). Whereas the most common enablers for effective pain management practices were the ongoing education on pain for nurses (60.5%) and physicians who prescribe adequate doses of analgesia (60.0%). Conclusion: Addressing nurses' perceived barriers and the enablers of pain assessment and management is crucial for optimal pain practice.

This descriptive study recruited 200 Jordanian nurses to measure their perceived barriers and enablers of pain assessment and management in critical care patients. The most common barriers to pain assessment and management were the patient's inability to communicate, patient instability and the lack of guidelines for pain assessment. The most common enablers for effective pain management practices were the ongoing education on pain for nurses and physicians who prescribe adequate painkillers. Addressing nurses' perceived barriers and the enablers of pain assessment and management is crucial for optimal pain practice. The study has several implications for nursing education, practice and research.