Nurses' Beliefs About Pain Assessment in Dementia: A Qualitative Study Informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To explore registered nurses' beliefs regarding pain assessment in people living with dementia.

Design

A descriptive exploratory qualitative study informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Methods

Online semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from January to April 2023 with a purposive sample of 15 registered nurses caring for people with dementia. Following transcription, data were analysed using direct content analysis.

Findings

Registered nurses believe pain assessment improves the well-being of people with dementia and informs and evaluates practice. However, there is a possibility of misdiagnosing pain as agitation or behavioural problems, leading to inaccurate pain management. Interpersonal factors, such as registered nurses' knowledge

SUBMITTER: Kodagoda Gamage MW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11579553 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature