Background: Lack of pain management is a global healthcare problem. There is evidence that suggests nurses and other healthcare professionals lack knowledge related to pain management and have attitudes which hinder appropriate pain management. Pain Resource Nurse (PRN) Programs have demonstrated efficacy in improving knowledge and mentoring nurses in pain management practices. Method: Seventeen nurses participated in a two day PRN training program to prepare them to be resources for nurses and other health care professionals related to pain and pain management. Pre-test and post-test were completed by the PRNs to assess baseline knowledge and knowledge gained through education and experience. The impact of the PRNs on knowledge and attitudes of general staff nurses was measured also with pre-test and post-tes methodology. Process audits were done as part of an ongoing assessment of documentation regarding pain and compliance with pain assessment and management policies. Evidence Based Practice Framework: The EBP Frameworks that were used for this project was the Advancing Research and Clinical Practice through Close Collaboration (ARCC) Model and the Diffusion of Innovation Model. Findings/Results: There were statistically significant improvements in the PRN post test knowlege and attitude survey scores, with the greatest improvement at six months. The PRNs provided education for their peers in a variety of ways: one-on-one education, in-services, a self learning module, and a pain fair. The general staff had statistically significant improvement in the post-test scores as compared to their pre-intervention scores. Process audits showed a small improvement in some areas but varied month by month. Conclusions: The PRN initiative did have a positive impact on improving knowledge and attitudes related to pain management and there was a small improvement in the process audits used to evaluate practice related to pain management.
