| The purpose of this study was to describe the components of pain management education that are included in the academic curricula of schools of nursing, as well as how much time is devoted to the subject. The study also explored nurse educators' knowledge about pain management. Participants were drawn from associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs in Washington State. More respondents (87.7%) indicated teaching assessment of pain than any other content. The fewest number of respondents (38.4%) taught current research about pain management. Nurse educators who had received more pain management education spent more time teaching the subject, as did those who had access to an expert in pain management. Deficits in knowledge of pain management principles and theories were revealed in the areas of pharmacology and beliefs and misconceptions about patient malingering. Findings are consistent with previous studies and suggest that pain management education may be lacking in nursing programs. |
