Nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management in hospitalized adults.

Background: Pain management is a key component of patient satisfaction and well-being in acute care settings. Nurses spend more time with patients than any other members of the health care team and play a major role in pain management.

Methods: This descriptive study in an urban tertiary care hospital explored the knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses regarding pain management. A modified version of the Ferrell and McCaffery Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain was used.

Results: Forty-nine percent of respondents achieved a passing score of 80% or more. Pharmacology questions were the least likely to be answered correctly. Negative correlations were found between score and demographic variables of age and experience. A positive correlation between score and educational level was noted.

Conclusion: Nurses require ongoing education on pain management, particularly pharmaceutical agents. However, this education alone is insufficient to substantively improve patients' pain experiences.