Cancer pain is a multi-dimensional syndrome with a combination of acute and chronic pain that causes physical, psycho-social, behavioural, emotional and spiritual problems resulting in adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Nurses ought to be well prepared with knowledge on pain assessment and management. Limited research has been conducted regarding nurses’ knowledge of and attitudes regarding pain management in oncology units, especially in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to describe the level of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of nurses working in oncology units in Saudi hospitals towards pain management, and to explore the nurses’ perceived barriers that hinder the delivery of effective pain management to cancer patients. A mixed method approach was used. First the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain was adapted to measure the attitudes and knowledge of 320 nurses working in oncology units in five hospitals. This was followed by five focus group interviews to explore the barriers to effective pain management. The results from the survey revealed that the nurses’ knowledge of and attitudes towards pain management was far from optimal. From the focus group data, five thematic categories emerged that represent the barriers to nurses. These were communication barriers; cultural differences; nurses’ workload; lack of knowledge; and absence of health team collaboration. This study will provide baseline data for nurses, administrators and educators. The data can be used to improve current practices of patient care in relation to pain assessment and management, through identifying the deficient aspects of nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards pain management in oncology units. In addition, the study will increase nurses’ awareness of the barriers that may hinder the efficacy of pain management provided to cancer patients. Significant implications will benefit nursing practice, administration and education, in addition to identifying potential future research.
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