A team of researchers at An-Najah National University Hospital, from the nursing department, conducted a study on the behaviors, practices, and obstacles faced by nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the management of pain and palliative care for critically ill patients in Palestine. The research was published in a high-impact international nursing journal based in the UK.

The team, led by nurse Issa Swayteh in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, conducted a medical study based on their expertise in the care and management of pain in ICU patients. This study is considered the first of its kind in the region and one of the few worldwide.

The study, which spanned over six months, identified gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses in the ICU regarding effective pain management. Swayteh emphasized the need for a realistic and up-to-date intervention to enhance the knowledge and improve the attitudes of ICU nurses toward effective pain management and to address the existing obstacles.

The research provided several recommendations, including the need for continuous training for ICU nurses on pain management and palliative care, including pain assessment and management mechanisms, non-pharmacological pain management, and dealing with potential side effects.

This study highlights the importance of ongoing research and improvement in healthcare practices to provide the best possible care for critically ill patients.