PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the core components of an effective pain management education programme (PMEP) for surgical nurses in Thailand.

METHODS: A three-round Delphi method was used. A panel of 40 experts advised regarding the essential components of an effective PMEP for surgical nurses.

RESULTS: The core components of a PMEP were derived from experts' panel consensus: (i) multidisciplinary collaboration, (ii) acquisition of innovative knowledge and training by healthcare teams, and (iii) consideration of individual differences when delivering pain management services. To enhance their pain management practices, nurses should adopt multimodal pain approaches that involve family roles and engage in active patient listening.

CONCLUSIONS: The PMEP designed in this study, which adheres to international nursing training standards, promotes the competency of professional nurses.