Abstract
Background
The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) pain scale is commonly used for pediatric pain assessment; however, no online educational tool exists to facilitate the use of the scale.
Aims
This study aimed to develop an online educational tool and evaluate its effect on nurse knowledge, user confidence, and scoring accuracy.
Design and Methods
In phase 1, semistructured interviews were conducted to identify preferred educational features and content. Eight informants were interviewed in phase 1. Recommendations informed the development of the educational tool. Data were analyzed via conventional content analysis. Phase 2 involved a pre-post evaluation of the tool through online surveys. Posteducational data were collected immediately after the tool was completed. Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar-Bowker tests were used to compare pre- and post-training knowledge, confidence, and FLACC scores. Scoring accuracy was examined using percentage agreement and consensus analysis.
Results
Thirty-four nurses participated in phase 2. The educational tool significantly improved knowledge (p < .0001) and increased user confidence, although not to a significant level (p = .06). There was a significant improvement in correct assessment of moderate pain (p = .04). Almost all nurses correctly assessed severe pain before and after education (91%). However, there was a decrease in accurate assessment of mild pain (p = .01).
Conclusions
Because the intervention improved knowledge, user confidence, and assessment accuracy of moderate pain, it would be useful to implement such a tool as part of clinician education. However, further modifications will be needed to improve assessment of mild pain.
Areas of Research: Nursing Education
Researchers
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Juliana Choueiry
Investigator, CHEO Research Institute
