Polish nurses' perceived barriers in using evidence-based practice in pain management.

AIM: The aim of this work was to present current practices, perceived barriers and perceived facilitators of Polish nurses in using EBP in the assessment and management of acute pain during the postoperative period in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Advances in the study of pain and the methods for its relief since the late 1980s have led to a rise in the role of the nurse in pain management and monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: The application of evidence-based practice associated with acute pain is on the increase in the world at large.

METHODS: Eleven hospitals participated in this study. The project involved 1300 nurses working on surgical hospital wards. In this study, case study research and qualitative content analysis were used. The study was conducted using a dedicated questionnaire.

RESULTS: Access to journals on evidence-based practice on the assessment and management of pain in elderly patients was assessed as less important by the respondents. Knowledge drawn from the media, scientific and medical journals was assessed by the respondents as unsatisfactory. The greatest barrier to nurses was the fact that scientific articles were published in English.

CONCLUSION: Nurses' awareness of evidence-based practice increases with their education. Among the key problems are the lack of available professional publications in Polish literature, ignorance of English, shortage of time and lack of support from chief physicians of the ward.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: There is a need for the introduction of innovative strategies of teaching and approaches to the problem of evidence-based practice in approach to pain management in elder people among the Polish nurses. It is necessary to promote these issues in Polish scientific literature.