Enhancing Patient Pain Management Outcomes Through the Application of Evidence-Based Strategies in Daily Nursing Practice

Abstract

Effective pain management is a cornerstone of quality patient care, yet inconsistencies in practice often hinder optimal outcomes. The integration of evidence-based strategies into daily nursing routines holds the potential to enhance patient comfort and satisfaction. This study aimed to explore how evidence-based pain management strategies are understood, adopted, and applied by nurses in clinical settings to improve patient outcomes. A qualitative research design was employed using a phenomenological approach to gain deep insights into the lived experiences of registered nurses regarding pain management practices. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 nurses working in medical and surgical units across three hospitals. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns and meanings in the data. The study revealed three major themes: (1) Bridging the gap between theory and practice through clinical judgment and experience; (2) Barriers to implementing evidence-based strategies, including workload, limited resources, and lack of training; and (3) Positive patient outcomes resulting from proactive, individualized, and multimodal pain management interventions. Nurses reported that evidence-based strategies enhanced patient satisfaction, reduced reliance on opioids, and improved overall recovery experiences. Integrating evidence-based pain management strategies into routine nursing practice leads to more consistent and effective patient care. However, successful implementation requires institutional support, ongoing education, and a culture that promotes critical reflection and knowledge sharing among nurses.