KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF NURSES RELATED TO EVIDENCE-BASED ASSESSMENT REGARDING ACUTE PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH BURN INJURY

Abstract

Background: Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. It is classified as acute (associated with trauma or injury) or chronic (lasting more than three months). Nurses play a crucial role in pain management as the primary observers of patient discomfort during continuous bedside care. Despite advances, pain from burn injuries remains frequently undertreated. Severe burns rank among the most painful forms of trauma; inadequate relief induces anxiety, reduces participation in rehabilitation, increases morbidity, and prolongs hospital stay.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses related to evidence-based assessment regarding acute pain in patients with burn injury at Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, AIMC, Lahore.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, a tertiary-care referral centre. Convenience sampling was employed. Data were analysed using SPSS.

Results: The majority of participants were female nurses aged 31–35 years holding a General Nursing and Midwifery diploma, with 6–10 years of professional experience. Fifteen percent of nurses agreed that evidence-based assessment (EBA) is less effective for acute than chronic pain, and 15% considered EBA difficult in emergency burn care. No nurse agreed that mild analgesics alone effectively relieve acute burn pain; strong analgesics (narcotics) were regarded as essential.

Conclusion: Gaps exist in nurses’ knowledge and consistent application of evidence-based acute pain assessment in burn patients. Targeted education and institutional protocols are required to improve practice.