Understanding Attitudes, Social Norms, and Behaviors of a Cohort of Post-Operative Nurses Related to Pain and Pain Management

Abstract

Despite advances in surgical techniques and peri-operative care, pain is a significant symptom post-operatively. The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes, social norms, and behaviors of a cohort of nurses of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds regarding pain and pain assessment and management. The design was a descriptive qualitative study guided by Theory of Planned Behavior and the Theory of Transcultural Nursing. The sample included six registered nurses (RNs) (two Hispanic, two African American, and two Caucasian), along with patients of the same and different cultural and ethnic backgrounds in the post-operative unit within 48 h of surgery. The nurses’ results indicated that nurses assess pain severity and patient treatment preferences yet do not conduct a comprehensive pain assessment and have limited knowledge of non-pharmacologic and complementary pain therapies. Despite knowledge of the patient’s pain history, tolerance, and cultural background, the nurses believed that “all patients should be treated the same” and were concerned about the use of opioids beyond the first 24–48 h post-operatively due to the risk of addiction and professional ramifications related to opioid administration. The conclusions are that ongoing education is needed regarding comprehensive pain assessment and pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and complementary pain therapies during the post-operative period. Discussion is needed regarding the importance of diversity and equity as it relates to cultural competence within the context of pain assessment and management to provide patient-centered individualized care.