Nurses' knowledge of pain management for patients with combat-related traumatic brain injuries on rehabilitation units.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this project was to survey nurses' knowledge of pain management for patients with combat-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI).


METHODS
A survey was used to collect data regarding nurses' knowledge of pain assessment and management for patients with combat-related TBI. Nurses were invited to participate in the study via email and provided with a link to the electronic survey.


RESULTS
Twenty-five surveys were returned (52% response rate). A total of 76% of nurse respondents perceived that TBI patients over report pain intensity. Only 40% of nurses were able to correctly identify the appropriate medication to treat migraine-type headache pain in TBI patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This study identified gaps in knowledge regarding pain management for patients with combat related TBIs.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses need additional education regarding common pain syndromes, available treatments, and a better understanding of addiction in order to provide optimal care to these patients.
Department of Veterans Affairs, Pacific Islands Healthcare System, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Lorena M
LM
Jaimes
Hilaire J
HJ
Thompson
Carol A
CA
Landis
Catherine A
CA
Warms
D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation; D059408:Pain Management / Q000451:nursing*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States; D014857:Warfare
D000700:Analgesics
Pain; head injury; nurses