An innovative approach to targeting pain in older people in the acute care setting.
This paper reports the findings of an exploratory pilot study which used mixed methods to determine (a) the feasibility of the study design for a larger multi site project and (b) whether a pain education promotion approach, termed 'Targeting Pain', using a multidisciplinary educational campaign and promotional media such as staff badges and ward signage, improves the detection and management of pain in older people in an acute care setting. Pre and post evaluation surveys and interviews were used to evaluate the approach. Findings showed an increase in pain assessment and documentation of pain by nursing staff, as well as an increase in the prescription of oral analgesics. However, the study indicated that the uptake regarding pain management from the education campaign was different between professional groups. Although there was a positive response by patients and staff to the use of staff badges, the ward signage failed to attract attention. The mixed methods approach used highlighted several areas that need to be improved for the next phase of the study.
CNC Hunter Integrated Pain Service, John Hunter Hospital/Hunter New England Area Health Service, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
Caroline
C
Phelan
D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D054869:Clinical Audit; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D009517:New South Wales; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012107:Research Design