ABSTRACT
@#PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding post-operative pain management among nurses working in the surgical units in Kandy, Sri Lanka. DESIGN: The study was based on quantitative method, specifically descriptive design. Samples were selected using the probability sampling technique of simple random sampling. The sample size obtained was 200 nurses using 95% confidence level and a 4% margin of error for a population of 300 nurses in the research setting. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was chosen as a data collection method, and this questionnaire contained 36 questions under four sub-topics. A box was kept in the matron office in the surgical section to collect the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis with percentages. FINDINGS: According to the research findings, 66% (132) were knowledgeable about the meaning of post-operative pain management. Post-operative pain management was identified by 74% (148) of the respondents, and 26% (52) correctly indicated that the most accurate judge of post-operative pain is the patients' self-report. When considering the attitudes, 66% (132) of the participants agreed that post-operative patients show discomfort before receiving the next analgesics. Among the participants, 60% (120) of nurses worried that patients would become addicted to analgesics that they give, while 20% (40) disagreed, and 2% strongly disagreed. 54% (108) of the nurses stated that patients were kept under close observation and the pain was monitored regularly, while 46% (92) expressed that patient is kept in a comfortable position. To manage post-operative pain, 80% (160) used non-pharmacological methods while 20% (40) did not. CONSLUSIONS: The findings of this study identified problems such as inadequate knowledge, and inappropriate attitudes and practices regarding postoperative pain management.