Abstract
Aim: We evaluated the knowledge and experience of general nurses, across multicultural backgrounds, on managing postoperative pain in one healthcare facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: Online cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The data was analysed using the STATA 15 programme at significance level a = 0.05.
Results: In total, 473 general nurses were involved in the survey across 16 different nationalities (average age 35.7 years, 92.4% female). The use of pain scales differs according to the type of department (p = 0.000). The numeric pain scale was most commonly used in the standard surgical department and the FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale in the intensive care units. The type of nonpharmacological treatment method differs according to the type of department (p < 0.05). The application of warm compression is the most commonly used treatment in the surgical department, while psychosocial support was declared most often in day care surgery units.
Conclusions: The results showed inconsistencies in the management of postoperative pain. Different scales are used to assess pain and different procedures of non-pharmacological therapy are used. It is appropriate to establish uniform guidelines and to regularly inform general nurses about new trends in the treatment of postoperative pain, based on international standards.