Abstract

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.

Key words: Clinical decision making, postoperative pain management, patient satisfaction, health care providers' opinion, nursing care.