Impact of implementing the critical-care pain observation tool in the adult intensive care unit: A nonrandomised stepped-wedge trial.

Background: Approximately 70% of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) experience untreated pain, often due to severe patient conditions and communication barriers.

Aim: The aim of this study was to implement the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) to improve pain assessment in patients unable to self-report pain in the ICU.

Method: A stepped-wedge trial was conducted in six adult ICUs in Saudi Arabia between February and June 2022.

How nurse researchers can use stepped-wedge design and analysis.

Background: Designing effective health interventions and evaluating their impact is crucial to improving the health of the population. To ensure interventions are of high quality and effective, evidence-based research is essential, particularly studies that use randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews. However, RCTs may not be feasible or ethical in certain situations, such as in intensive care units.