Provider Attitudes on Using Nonpharmacological Methods for Pain Management in Acute Care - Post an Educational Intervention

Abstract

Background: The economic, social, medical and individual costs associated with the opioid addiction crisis are well documented in the national media. Research has shown that prescription opioids are often misused for recreational or psychoactive purposes and can become the gateway to drug abuse. The Joint Commission instituted changes for pain assessment and management in acute care settings based on extensive literature review and field research in an effort to address the opioid crisis and increase patient safety. Objective: The objective of this project is to provide a platform for a practice change to meet compliance with the 2018 Joint Commission requirements for pain management standards for acute care accreditation, specifically element of performance (EP) 2, providing nonpharmacologic pain treatment modalities. The results of this project will encourage health care providers to decrease reliance on opioid medications by considering integrative, nonpharmacologic pain management therapies. Methods / Design: This project used a post education one group quantitative descriptive design to understand perceptions and intent to use integrative pain management therapies. The 59 participants from a Southern California hospital included physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who participated in a brief educational intervention designed to disseminate peer-reviewed practice guidelines. The Integrative Medicine Attitude Questionnaire (IMAQ) survey and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Reaction Questionnaire with additional self-reported planned behavior change questions were administered following the intervention. Results: The descriptive statistical analysis of the results from the survey instrument showed that participants’ attitudes were positive toward nonpharmacologic integrative medicine and that they have intent to order and discuss these options with patients. In addition, responses from the self-reported questions indicate changes in attitudes and intent to use nonpharmacologic treatments. These results are interrelated with the Theory of Reasoned Action and Theory of Planned Behavior (TRA/TPB) used as the framework for the design. Conclusion: The results of this study provide a solid foundation to support having nonpharmacologic modalities available as options for pain treatment thus diminishing the reliance both providers and patients place on opioids for pain management.