Background of the study
Pain management in pediatric patients is a critical aspect of healthcare, as children often experience difficulty in expressing their pain, which can lead to undertreatment (Khan et al., 2024). Pain assessment scales are valuable tools for healthcare providers, allowing for a systematic approach to evaluate pain intensity and determine appropriate interventions. These scales are particularly important in pediatric care, where communication barriers exist, and the use of objective measures is essential for accurate pain assessment. Despite their importance, many nurses in resource-limited settings may not be aware of, or trained in, the use of pediatric pain assessment scales, which can result in suboptimal pain management practices (Oluwaseun et al., 2023).
Bayelsa State General Hospital, a major healthcare provider in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, caters to a diverse pediatric population. Despite the growing awareness of the importance of pain management in children, there is limited research on the use of pain assessment tools in pediatric care in Nigerian hospitals. Nurses are often expected to manage pain in pediatric patients, but their knowledge and application of pain assessment scales may vary. This study will examine the awareness and use of pain assessment scales by nurses in pediatric care at Bayelsa State General Hospital.
Statement of the problem
Effective pain management in pediatric patients relies on accurate pain assessment, yet many nurses in Bayelsa State General Hospital may not be aware of or properly utilize pain assessment scales. The lack of standardized pain assessment practices could result in inadequate pain management, leading to increased suffering for pediatric patients. Assessing the level of awareness and usage of these tools among nurses is crucial to improving pain management strategies and ensuring better outcomes for children under care.
Objectives of the study
To assess nurses’ awareness of pain assessment scales in pediatric care at Bayelsa State General Hospital.
To evaluate the use of pain assessment scales by nurses in pediatric care at Bayelsa State General Hospital.
To identify challenges faced by nurses in using pain assessment scales in pediatric care at Bayelsa State General Hospital.
Research questions
What is the level of awareness of pain assessment scales among nurses at Bayelsa State General Hospital?
How frequently do nurses at Bayelsa State General Hospital use pain assessment scales in pediatric care?
What challenges do nurses at Bayelsa State General Hospital face in using pain assessment scales?
Research hypotheses
Nurses at Bayelsa State General Hospital have limited awareness of pain assessment scales in pediatric care.
There is a significant relationship between nurses' awareness of pain assessment scales and their use in pediatric care.
Lack of training and resources significantly hinder the use of pain assessment scales in pediatric care at Bayelsa State General Hospital.
Scope and limitations of the study
This study will focus on nurses working in the pediatric departments of Bayelsa State General Hospital. It will assess their awareness of and practices related to the use of pain assessment scales in pediatric care. One limitation could be the reliance on self-reported data, which may lead to social desirability bias. Additionally, the scope of the study may not be fully representative of all hospitals in the region.
Definitions of terms
Pain assessment scales: Tools used to quantify pain intensity, such as the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale or the FLACC scale for children.
Pediatric care: Medical care provided to children, typically under the age of 18.
Awareness: The knowledge and understanding of pain assessment tools available for pediatric patients.
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