Mental health nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the management of pain in mental health care users in a selected psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape

Abstract

Background: Pain management is central to patient care, including for mental health care users (MHCUs). Pain management has been identified as a concern for MHCUs admitted to a psychiatric hospital as the accurate assessment of pain may be influenced by cognition due to acute mental illness or lack of reporting. Poor pain management may impact on the wellbeing of patients and is an essential aspect of care. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate pain management knowledge, attitudes and practices among registered and staff nurses working at a selected psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape.