Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Acute Pediatric Pain Management Among Anesthesiologists, Pediatricians, and Pediatric Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan

TL;DR

This study from Jordan assesses healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes about managing acute pain in children, finding that anesthesiologists perform best and suggesting the need for more training.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the knowledge gaps and training needs of Jordanian healthcare providers in acute pediatric pain management.

Findings

Anesthesiologists scored highest in knowledge of acute pediatric pain management.

Pediatric nurses had lower scores compared to physicians.

Training in pain management and using assessment tools improved performance.

Abstract

Background: Pain is one of the most common complaints among all age groups. Adult patients can express pain more clearly. Unfortunately, pediatric patients cannot perform this. This study aimed to assess the extent of knowledge of healthcare providers regarding acute pediatric pain management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing the modified Knowledge and Attitude Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. The modified version included 34 questions (24 true/false questions and 10 MCQs). This study targeted anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and pediatric nurses through interviews. Demographic and educational data were analyzed as factors affecting the results of the KASRP questionnaire. The total score was classified as poor, fair, or good. Results: A total of 137 participants were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 31.8 years, and of the participants, 62.8% were women, 30.0% were anesthesia physicians, 25.5% were pediatric physicians, and 44.5% were pediatric nurses. The participants scored an average of 20.7 out of 34. Performance was categorized as poor, fair, or good, with 22.6%, 64.2% and 13.2% of participants falling into each category, respectively. The mean score of correct responses was higher for anesthesiologists (p = 0.0001). Specialists achieved higher mean scores than residents. Completion of pediatric pain management courses and the use of assessment tools were linked to higher performance. Conclusions: Pediatric nurses achieved lower scores for knowledge of acute pediatric pain management than physicians. Anesthesiologists achieved the highest score, probably because of their training in pain management. All healthcare providers should attend pain management courses.