Markus Gustafsson HAL 2012:30, pp. 21. HAL/Sektionen för hälsa, 2012.
Aims: This study aimed to investigate if a theory-based intervention could change and sustain RNs knowledge and attitudes concerning cancer pain and pain management, both four and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with non-equivalent control groups was utilised. Primary outcome was measured by a modified version of the instrument Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain at baseline, four weeks and 12 weeks after the start of the intervention to evaluate the intervention’s perseverance. Intervention: The intervention’s educational curriculum was built upon the principles of Ajzen’s Theory of planned behaviour and consisted of interactive learning activities conducted in workshops that were grounded on evidence-based knowledge. The RNs own experiences from cancer pain management were used in the learning process. Results: The effectiveness of the intervention to change RNs knowledge and attitudes regarding cancer pain management was measured by the primary outcome NKAS and displayed a statistical significant (p<0.05) improvement of the total mean score from baseline to 4 weeks at the intervention ward. Additionally, RNs on the intervention ward were found to rate the case study patient’s pain (Item 35) closer to the patient’s own perceived pain rating from baseline to 4 weeks with an increased mean value by 1.83 but not significant (p=0.069). Conclusions: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a theory-based intervention focused at RNs. The findings indicated a positive change of the RNs’ knowledge and attitudes regarding cancer-related pain and pain management. However, this kind of theory-based intervention with interactive learning activities is scarcely researched and need to be further evaluated in larger projects.
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