Pain assessment and management in older hospitalised patients: observation shows common themes relating to nurse–patient communication, pain management strategies, organisational aspects of care and the complex nature of pain
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Greenwich, London, UK
- Correspondence to
: Professor Pat Schofield
School of Health and Social Care, University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus, Eltham, London SE9 2UG, UK; P.A.Schofield{at}Greenwich.ac.uk
Commentary on Manias E. Complexities of pain assessment and management in hospitalised older people: a qualitative observation and interview study. Int J Nurs Stud 2012;49:1243–54
Implications for practice and research
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Staff need more education around identification of pain and options for management among the older population.
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Pain assessment methods should be brief and simple, followed by an algorithm for management.
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The need to explore organisational barriers which inhibit effective management and to develop more creative ways of overcoming such barriers.
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The need to evaluate treatment pathways.
Context
This study was conducted within two geriatric units in a public teaching hospital in Australia. The authors identify the need to explore pain assessment and management, a complex phenomenon that makes up the decision-making process and includes environment, communication and other previously unexplored influencing factors. We are aware …
