The effects of emergency department patients' pain beliefs and experiences on perceived nursing care and patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

Pain is a common reason for emergency department visits, and patients' pain experiences and beliefs may influence.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the effects of pain beliefs and experiences on perceived nursing care and patient satisfaction among emergency department.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted in the adult emergency department of a university hospital between December 2024 and December 2025 with 475 patients. Data were collected using the Patient Introduction Form, Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction Scale, Care Behavior Scale-24, Brief Pain Inventory, and Pain Beliefs Scale.

RESULTS

Among participants, 50.5% were female and the mean age was 46.95 ± 18.61 years. It was found that scores for organic pain beliefs were higher than those for psychological beliefs Scores for organic pain beliefs (2.70 ± 0.94) were descriptively higher than those for psychological beliefs (2.20 ± 0.82). Reflecting positive care outcomes, the total CBS-24 mean score was 3.85 ± 1.14 (exceeding the 3.50 midpoint) and the overall EDPSS satisfaction score was 48.32 ± 14.23 out of 72.00. Pain-related variables explained 24.7% of the variance in care behavior scores and 25.2% in patient satisfaction. Pain relief, psychological beliefs, current pain level, general activity, and enjoyment of life emerged as crucial statistical predictors (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pain management efficiency and psychological subdimensions significantly predict emergency nursing care behaviors and patient satisfaction. Rather than relying solely on pain intensity reduction, emergency teams must implement comprehensive care bundles that actively support patients' functional and psychological needs. Clinically, incorporating structured, location-specific pain assessments into pre-registration and continuous professional development is highly recommended to dynamically optimize patient-reported care quality.