Non-Pharmacological Pain and Stress Management (N-PPSM) in Pediatric Wards: A Nurses' Perspective

• Published in: Pain management nursing 2024-10, Vol.25 (5), p.510-517
• Main Authors: Hasanah, Idyatul, Nursalam, Nursalam, Krisnana, Ilya, Arief, Yuni Sufyanti, Qur'aniati, Nuzul, Haikal, Zikrul, Sulistyawati, Ririn Afrian, Rohita, Tita
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Indonesia; Male; Middle Aged; Non-pharmacological methods; Nurses' perspective; Nursing Staff, Hospital - education; Nursing Staff, Hospital - psychology; Nursing Staff, Hospital - statistics & numerical data; Pain management; Pain Management - methods; Pain Management - standards; Pediatric; Pediatric Nursing - methods; Pediatric Nursing - standards; Pediatric wards; Stress management; Stress, Psychological - psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1524-9042; 1532-8635; 1532-8635
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.07.005

To describe the nurses’ use of non-pharmacological pain and stress management (N-PPSM) in pediatric wards and their perceptions of the benefits and perceived barriers that encourage and limited their use of these methods. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 125 nurses working in the pediatric ward of an Indonesian hospital. Data collection utilized modified non-pharmacological method questionnaires, and data analysis involved t-tests and ANOVA. The most widely used N-PPSM by nurses are cognitive methods such as providing education (48%), physical methods by positioning (40%), emotional support (36%), environmental support (45%), and family support (60%). Nurses stated that N-PPSM had few side effects (50.4%), were inexpensive (49.6%), could be performed independently (51.2%), and were easy to use (52.8%). However, during its implementation, there were several obstacles including lack of experience (42.4%), lack of training (48%), lack of equipment (45.6%), nurse belief (36.8%), lack of time (44%), patient unwilling (47.2%), and patient belief (41.6%). Work experience influences the overall utilization of N-PPSM (p-value = .043). The findings from this research emphasize the significance of enhanced training for nurses working in the utilization of N-PPSM in pediatric wards. Findings from this study can enhance nurses' knowledge and competence in using N-PPSM in pediatric wards, thus improving patient care. Hospitals may consider implementing new policies, education, training, and infrastructure to support N-PPSM. Educational institutions can also incorporate these methods into nursing curricula, increasing nurses' awareness and skills in using N-PPSM in pediatric patients.