Nurses' attitudes toward pain treatment with opioids: a survey in a Belgian university hospital

Int J Nurs Stud. 2004 Feb;41(2):183-9. doi: 10.1016/s0020-7489(03)00129-9.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate nurses' attitudes toward pain treatment with opioids in a Belgian university hospital.

Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was used. The randomised sample included 350 nurses working in the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium. Non-response was 10.9%. Nurses' attitudes were explored by a structured questionnaire. The score on the opioid attitude scale (OAS) varied between 9 and 45.

Results: Despite a neutral to positive score on the OAS (mean=69.4%), nurses had clearly negative attitudes towards the use of opioids during a diagnostic phase and the risk of possible addiction. These negative attitudes can hinder adequate pain treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use*
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Belgium
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment
  • Negativism
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / education
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Pain / diagnosis
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Prejudice
  • Risk Factors
  • Self-Assessment
  • Substance-Related Disorders / etiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid