Barriers Faced by the Nurses in Effective Pain Management of Pediatric Patients in Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Managing pain effectively in hospitalized children is an important issue that greatly impacts the well-being and health outcomes of children facing pain. Objective: This study aims to explore nurses’ perspectives regarding challenges in effective pain management of pediatric patients in the hospital. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted, involving 8 purposively selected nurses, with more than one year of experience in pediatric units at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Participants were interviewed through a guided questionnaire after written informed consent on barriers that hinder them from effective pain management in children. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim, analyzed thematically, manually, and verified by experts, with a deductive approach based on interest in pain management barriers. Findings: Among participants, 5 were female and 3 were male. Most of them were from the pediatric ICU. The mean age of the participants was 28 years, with an average experience of 3 years as a pediatric nurse. After applying thematic analysis, the three main themes that were identified in this study are lack of awareness, organizational, and family-induced challenges. Recommendations: There is a need for training and awareness sessions on pain assessment and management procedures in the hospitals. There should be a safe nurse-patient ratio in pediatric wards. Evidence-based protocols should be followed, and the nurses should be encouraged to advocate for pain management in pediatric populations.