Healthcare Providers Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Toward the CALM Coping Scale
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Giuliana C. Tuma (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Terry Wicks
Abstract: Background: One of the most effective ways to diagnose and treat laboring women’s breakthrough pain is to use a high-quality pain scale. The antiquated 0-10 numeric pain scale does not adequately assess laboring women’s pain, as zero is not a realistic pain score during labor. The CALM coping scale is an algorithm and a numeric scale with multiple categories to allow the healthcare staff to evaluate whether the laboring woman is coping or not coping. This scale is not well known but has improved laboring women's pain management.Purpose: This project aims to discover the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of healthcare providers working in a labor and delivery unit regarding the CALM coping scale.Methods: A computer-based pre-survey was distributed to assess healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the CALM coping scale. After completing the pre-survey, the healthcare providers were provided an education in-service on the CALM coping scale. A follow-up post-survey was administered after using the scale for a total of 3 months.Setting: An 18-bed labor and delivery unit at a women and children’s hospital located in central North Carolina. Participants: A sample of 60 healthcare providers of the 114 who work in the project’s labor and delivery unit. Results: Most providers were unfamiliar with the CALM coping scale, but agreed they are more likely to use the CALM coping scale versus the numeric pain scale, due to its accuracy. Providers perceived patients complained of less pain when using the CALM coping scale, and narcotic use was decreased. Nonpharmacologic pain relief methods included emotional support, position changes, and a calm environment. Recommendations and Conclusion: It is essential to understand providers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the CALM coping scale to implement a plan that ensures providers will adhere to this scale within their everyday practice. Frequent in-services addressing current pain management strategies are imperative. Future practice recommendations include conducting this project on a larger scale.
Healthcare Providers Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Toward the CALM Coping Scale
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Created on 2/8/2023
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2022
- Keywords
- CALM coping scale, labor and delivery, knowledge and attitudes, labor pain, pain assessment