Effectiveness of training program on clinical decision-making regarding postoperative pain management among nurses in a tertiary care setting, Udupi district, Manipal

Objective: This study examined how well a regimented Clinical Decision Making regarding Post Operative Pain Management (CDMR-POPM) program improved tertiary care nurses' clinical decision-making skills. Methodology: A cluster randomized controlled open trial was conducted at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Udupi from Apr 2015 – Nov 2015. There were 175 surgical unit nurses; 94 experimental and 81 control. Experimental group learned CDMR-POPM. We collected data using demographic profiles, the CDMR-POPM instrument, observation checklists, and patient pain treatment satisfaction measures. Using repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation at pre-test, post-test 1, post-test 2, and post-test 3, the training's impact on clinical decision-making and patient outcomes was examined. Results: Training improved clinical decision-making in experimental nurses compared to controls (F=34.76, p=0.01). The experimental group had higher satisfaction with pain treatment, including overall condition, nursing care, and current analgesics (F=180.47, p=0.01). However, reported decision-making skills remained unchanged. No correlation was found between clinical experience, stress, education, and clinical decision-making (p>0.05). Conclusion: CDMR-POPM training improved nurses' clinical decision-making and postoperative pain management patient satisfaction. These findings demonstrate the importance of systematic decision-making training in care quality.