KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS PAIN MANAGEMENT AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS, WORKING AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF RAWALPINDI

Abstract

Background: Pain is recognized globally as the “fifth vital sign,” , Pain management remains a cornerstone of holistic care, yet it is often inadequately addressed due to insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, and inconsistent practices among health care workers (HCWs). In tertiary care hospitals, where patient acuity is high and expectations of care are rigorous, effective pain control is not only a clinical necessity but also an ethical imperative. Gaps in professional training, misconceptions about opioid use, and limited application of evidence-based tools contribute to suboptimal pain relief and reduced patient satisfaction.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of health care workers towards pain management in tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi, there by identifying existing gaps and providing evidence for targeted interventions.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 300 licensed health care workers, including nurses, doctors, and paramedics, were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a pre-validated KAP questionnaire with established reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.743). Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v21).

Results: The findings revealed that only 20.2% of respondents had received formal training in pain management within the last five years. Overall, participants demonstrated moderate knowledge, with notable deficiencies in pharmacological management, particularly opioid administration. Attitudes reflected misconceptions regarding addiction and underestimation of patient-reported pain, while practices indicated inconsistent use of standardized pain assessment tools.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant knowledge gaps, attitudinal barriers, and inconsistent practices among HCWs in tertiary care hospitals  hospitals. Addressing these shortcomings through structured education, continuous professional development, and implementation of evidence-based guidelines is critical to advancing effective pain management. Strengthening the competence of HCWs in this area will not only improve patient outcomes but also uphold the ethical and professional responsibility of ensuring pain relief as a basic human right.