Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding Pain Assessment among Nurses Working at Public-Sector Pediatric Oncology Units in Pakistan

Abstract Introduction Pain in pediatric oncology patients is often undertreated due to a lack of timely assessment and inefficient communication between health care workers. Improper pain assessment is a leading cause of poorly managed pain in children. In high-income countries, pediatric oncology nurses play a key role in developmentally appropriate pain assessment measures to identify potential management strategies. However, nurses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a deficit of knowledge about pain assessment tools and management. Owing to differences in availability of resources, a disparity exists between health-related quality of life of cancer patients treated at public- and private-sector hospitals in Pakistan. Methodology The Indus Hospital and Health Network partnered with nine public-sector hospitals nationwide to improve pediatric oncology practices. Supported by the My Child Matters grant, training sessions were conducted for nurses at each public-sector pediatric oncology unit (POU) from March to December 2021. Pain assessment tools were provided. To assess retention and implementation of practices, a knowledge, attitudes, and practices questionnaire was distributed online to nurses at each POU. All responses remained anonymous. Results Fifty-four responses were recorded, 85% were female and most were between 26 and 30 years of age. Most of the participants held a diploma in nursing and were designated charge nurses with more than 6 years of experience. Forty nurses reported routinely assessing pain; the most common reason for not doing so was increased workload. Correlations were observed between routinely performing pain assessment and the number of patients per nurse, availability of formal credentialing or certifications at the institution and routinely performing pain assessment, availability of trainings focused on pain assessment and routinely performing pain assessment, and qualification of nurses and knowledge of nonpharmacological pain assessment methods. Conclusion Strategies to improve pain assessment knowledge and practices among pediatric oncology nurses in LMICs must be developed to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.