Nurses' Competencies, Barriers, and Experience in Trauma-Informed Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Chronic pain is a significant public health issue in Saudi Arabia, and its prevalence is consistent with global trends. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that is used to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatization and to encourage individuals to better engage with therapy. Currently, there is a lack of empirical data regarding the TIC competencies of nurses in the management of chronic pain in Saudi Arabia. Objectives Therefore, this study aimed to: (1) assess nurses’ knowledge, opinions, competencies, barriers, and practices related to TIC in chronic pain management across work settings, and (2) examine how these factors influence overall TIC competence in chronic pain management. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey distributed to 272 nurses working in hospitals in the (xxx). We collected data using the TIC Provider Survey to evaluate nurses’ competencies, barriers, and experiences in TIC over three months. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate whether years of nursing practice experience influence nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, competencies, and practices related to TIC in chronic pain management. Results Overall knowledge levels varied significantly across work settings, with nurses in operating rooms and mental health units scoring the highest, and those in pediatric units the lowest. Pediatric nurses had the lowest opinion scores for TIC, and OR nurses had the highest. Mental health nurses were the most competent, followed by OR nurses, medical-surgical unit nurses, and pediatric nurses. No major differences were found in TIC implementation barriers across work settings. Greater knowledge of TIC, more positive opinions of TIC, and fewer barriers to TIC were predictive of TIC competence. However, prior training was not a significant predictor. Conclusions Our findings highlight the variability in nurses’ knowledge, opinions, and practices regarding TIC across different work settings. Specifically, mental health and OR nurses demonstrated higher competence than pediatric nurses. To improve competence in TIC and ensure its consistent implementation in nursing practice, addressing barriers, fostering positive attitudes, and enhancing education are crucial.