Pain has been recognised as a problem within the realms of health care for many years (Szanto & Heaman 1972, Melzack 1973). The management of pain in the immediate postoperative period remains one of the most serious inadequacies of health care today (Royal College of Surgeons 1990). Recent evidence suggests that up to 75% of hospitalised patients fail to receive adequate pain relief (Carr 1990), with postoperative cardiac patients reporting detailed recollections of their pain experiences during their stay in critical care areas (Ferguson 1992). To accountable health care professionals these figures are humiliating and cannot be allowed to continue (Hollinworth 1994). Indeed, the persistance of postoperative pain can seriously compromise the status of postoperative cardiac patients (Wild 1992). An exploration of current practices in pain management for adult individuals following cardiac surgery included a review of the methods of assessment and treatment interventions employed at three English critical care units. With the literature providing substantial evidence of research into post-operative pain management the persistence of postoperative pain was questioned. Inadequacies in nursing knowledge were identified in all areas of postoperative pain management. The persistence of the theory-practice gap was identified as a major factor contributing to the maintenance of current practice. Similarly, the inappropriate use of change strategies, aimed ultimately at enhancing patient care, proved significant. The findings, which show neglect of the nursing responsibility for the provision of research-based, high quality patient care, carry implications for all nurses. Recommendations including the development of new strategies for the inclusion of existing knowledge into practice appear vital, in order that clinical practice, and ultimately patient care, can be enhanced.