Nurses' Pain Assessment and Attitudes: A Qualitative Study in a Neurointensive Care Unit

The findings emphasize the need for structured pain assessment approaches that combine standardized tools with nurses clinical judgment in analgo-sedated neuro-ICU patients. Continuity of care appears essential for recognizing individual pain expressions and supporting consistent clinical decision-making. Stronger interdisciplinary collaboration may reduce the burden on nurses and improve shared responsibility for pain management. Reflective practice and education are needed to address implicit biases, particularly toward patients with substance use histories. Together, these initiatives may reduce variation in analgo-sedation practices and better protect patient comfort.