Changing pain management practice and impacting on patient outcomes.

Full Abstract

Concerns about acute pain management prompted the development of a pain management program. The program, with assessment, intervention, and evaluation components, was introduced by the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The assessment phase included a descriptive study of postoperative pain and a baseline audit of nursing documentation related to pain assessment and management. Interventions, including a focused educational program and new routes for postoperative analgesia, were then introduced. Evaluations at 3 months and 2 years indicated improvements in documentation of pain assessments and improved management of pain. Additionally, at each follow-up evaluation, patients reported decreased postoperative pain. The assessment and management of pain is an important domain of nursing practice. The CNS is in a unique position to influence nursing practice and to impact on patient outcomes in this area of pain management.

Author information

Author/s: White, C L (CL);

Affiliation: Montreal Neurological Hospital, Quebec.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Clinical nurse specialist CNS (Clin Nurse Spec), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1999-Jul; vol 13 (issue 4) : pp 166-72

Dates: Created 2000/07/27; Completed 2000/07/27; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 10690052, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Clin Nurse Spec. 1999 Jul;13(4):165. (PMID: 10690051)

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