Systematic Review to Assess Effect of Educational Interventions for Improving the Nurses' Knowledge, Pediatric Pain Management

Abstract

Background:
Despite advancements in pain management research and technology, pediatric post-operative pain remains inadequately addressed. Nurses, pivotal in pain assessment and management, often lack the necessary training and resources to implement effective pain relief strategies. Educational programs targeting nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions have been proposed to address these deficiencies.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the impact of educational programs on pediatric nurses’ competencies in post-operative pain management. Using the PICOS framework, 500 articles were initially identified from databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. After exclusions, 25 studies were included, 15 of which specifically examined educational interventions. Methodological quality was assessed using the Hawker et al. (2002) tool, and findings were synthesized per the PRISMA framework.
Results:
The review found strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of educational programs in improving nurses' knowledge (11 studies) and attitudes (9 studies) regarding pediatric pain management. Educational interventions demonstrated significant positive outcomes in various countries, including Jordan, China, and Canada. However, four studies reported no significant improvements, often due to methodological limitations or high attrition rates. Programs with a focused scope and robust design yielded the most substantial impacts.
Conclusion:
Educational programs are effective in enhancing nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward pediatric post-operative pain management, contributing to improved patient outcomes. Variations in program content and delivery highlight the need for tailored, evidence-based interventions. Future research should address methodological challenges and explore long-term impacts on clinical practice.