Factors influencing nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward patients in chronic pain with opioid use disorder: A literature review

Abstract

Background and objective: Chronic pain is a common symptom among patients worldwide. This issue leads health care professionals to manage patients’ chronic pain by using opioids. However, some patients tend to abuse these medications and develop opioid use disorder. The aim of the study was to identify and explore factors that influence nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward patients in chronic pain with opioid use disorder.

Methods: A literature review was conducted. CINAHL, Medline, and PsychINFO databases were used to search for relevant articles. A total of 12 articles that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved.

Results: This literature review showed several factors that influence nurses’ knowledge and attitudes. These factors were nurses’ education, role support, demographic factors, nurses’ experiences, and nurses’ beliefs and culture.

Conclusions: The findings of this literature review will inform the development of an educational program to promote nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward patients in chronic pain with opioid use disorder.