Keywords

Education, Nursing Students, Opioid, Pain Management

 

Authors

  1. Sirjani, Hedieh H. MD, PhD
  2. Hawkins, Janice E. PhD, RN
  3. Kekeh, Michele A. PhD
  4. Akpinar-Elci, Muge MD, MPH

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals' knowledge of safe use of opioids for chronic pain management is critical in preventing opioid abuse and overdose. Undergraduate curricula of health professional schools, including undergraduate nursing programs, need to improve and adopt a comprehensive educational plan regarding this issue.

 

Method: This study implemented and assessed an educational module on undergraduate nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding prescription opioids.

 

Results: The educational module improved nursing students' knowledge and attitudes. Students reflected positively on the module.

 

Conclusion: Undergraduate nursing students benefited from the educational module on prescription opioids and preferred to include a similar module in their undergraduate curricula.