A pain management documentation tool.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a tool to standardize assessment, monitoring, management, and documentation of acute and chronic pain in hospitalized patients.


METHODS
A multidisciplinary hospital committee, nursing staff, a pain consultant, published standards, and hospital standards.


RESULTS
A comprehensive pain flow sheet and pain protocol was developed to assess, monitor, document, and evaluate clients at risk for or with actual pain. The tool was designed to assess and document acute and chronic pain in patients with cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on an initial review of quality assurance indicators, the tool has demonstrated increased consistency in documentation of pain management activities.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a pain assessment and management flow sheet with a pain protocol provides an organized, consistent approach that maximizes quality, cost-effective care.
Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY, USA.
M A
MA
Jadlos
G B
GB
Kelman
K
K
Marra
A
A
Lanoue
D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000592:standards*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009737:Nursing Records / Q000592:standards*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000592:standards*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D017749:Total Quality Management
D000700:Analgesics