KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT ON PEOPLE WITH CANCER AMONG NURSES IN MADONNA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ELELE

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of pain management on people with cancer among nurses in Madonna University Teaching Hospital, Elele Rivers State. Three specific objectives and research questions were formulated to guide the study .The study employed a quantitative descriptive survey design, using a semi-structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions to collect data used for analysis in the study. Data generated for the study was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages .Findings of current study revealed that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that nurses can always pick up cues from patients that indicate that they are in pain (x=4.20). Also, majority strongly agree that distraction such as the use of music or relaxation can decrease the perception of pain (x=4.51). Findings demonstrated positive attitude of nurses with (x=4.62) agreeing that for effective pain treatment of cancer pain it is necessary to continuously assess the pain and the efficacy of therapy. On the pain management practice, majority (x=3.71) made use of assessment tools often such as universal pain assessment tool (x=3.67), facial expression tool (x=3.47), and verbal rating scale (x=4.0). Other pain assessment means used often were observing the patient (x=3.70), estimating by experience (x=4.325), and using water for injection (x=3.58). The study concludes that there are gaps in specific aspects of knowledge, and practice that should be focused in future awareness and educational interventions. Therefore, initiating pain management teams and using cancer pain management guidelines will contribute to effective treatment of cancer pain. It was recommended that there is a need to increase nurses' knowledge about pain management and assessment; improving the quality and the consistency of the documentation and treatment of pain; and disseminating pain management information. Word count:288 words Keywords: knowledge, practice, attitudes, pain management, cancer, nurses