Pain knowledge and attitude survey among health-care professionals at a university hospital in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: There is growing awareness in the hospital setting toward pain management to decrease patients' suffering, improve postsurgical outcomes and to decrease cost. Objective: The aim of this study was to get an overview of the knowledge and attitude among health-care professionals toward pain management in the King Fahd Hospital of the University, and the need for an educational plan to improve pain service in hospitals. Materials and Methods: We conducted a survey over a 3-month period based on a 30-question questionnaire to test pain knowledge and attitude among nurses and physicians of different specialties, the level of education and years of experience. Results: The results of the data showed that knowledge and attitude of pain were deficient and unsatisfactory. Conclusion: We concluded that efforts to spread knowledge and education of proper pain management among health-care professionals are required. Further surveys involving more hospitals are warranted.