Knowledge and Clinical Practice of Nurses for Postoperative of Orthopedic Patients for Pain Management

Abstract

Background: Postoperative pain is a prevalent and debilitating consequence of orthopedic surgery, often leading to delayed recovery and reduced patient satisfaction if inadequately managed. Nurses play a critical role in pain assessment and intervention; however, gaps in knowledge and inconsistency in practice frequently compromise optimal care. Evidence suggests that educational interventions can significantly enhance nursing competencies in pain management. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving the knowledge and clinical practices of nurses related to postoperative pain management in orthopedic patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted over six months at Ali Fatima Hospital, Lahore. Thirty nurses working in the orthopedic ward were selected through random sampling. A validated questionnaire and practice checklist were used to measure knowledge and clinical performance before and after a structured educational program. Paired t-tests were applied to evaluate changes, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Post-intervention analysis revealed a significant improvement in knowledge scores (mean increase = 11.7, p < 0.001) and clinical practice performance (mean increase = 21.4, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed consistent gains across experience levels, with sustained adherence to best practices at one-month follow-up. Conclusion: Targeted education significantly enhances nurses’ competence in managing postoperative orthopedic pain, supporting its integration into routine professional development to advance patient-centered care.