Nurses Knowledge regarding Postoperative pain management at National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Effective postoperative pain management is essential for patient recovery, minimizing hospital stays, and enhancing overall satisfaction. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of nurses' knowledge regarding postoperative pain management at the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2023 to June 2024 at NIDCH, Mohakhali, Dhaka. Fifty nurses were selected through a convenient sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire divided into socio-demographic information and knowledge-based questions on postoperative pain management. Knowledge scores were calculated as percentages, and statistical analyses included means, standard deviations (SD), and p-values to determine significance. Result: The mean age of respondents was 36.26 ± 6.5 years, with 88% female and 12% male. Educational qualifications included 62% with a Diploma in Nursing, 32% with a BSc in Nursing, and 12% with an M.Sc. in Nursing. Experience varied, with 38% having over six years in their current role. Knowledge assessment revealed that 20% of nurses had excellent knowledge (mean score = 85 ± 5%), 30% had very good knowledge (75 ± 4%), 18% had good knowledge (65 ± 3%), 12% had average knowledge (55 ± 2%), and 20% had poor knowledge (45 ± 3%). Statistical analysis indicated a significant association between educational level and knowledge scores (p = 0.02), suggesting that higher education correlates with better knowledge of postoperative pain management. Conclusion: The study indicates that while a substantial proportion of nurses possess good to excellent knowledge of postoperative pain management, a significant number still exhibit average to poor knowledge levels. Enhanced training programs and continuous education are recommended to improve nurses' competencies and, consequently, patient care in postoperative settings.