Pain management outcomes for hospitalized Hispanic patients

The purposes of the study were to describe outcomes of pain management and predictors of patient satisfaction in a minority sample. By using a survey design, 3 instruments were used to collect data: (1) The American Pain Society's Patient Outcome Questionnaire-Modified, a 16-item self-report tool about pain and patient satisfaction; (2) a demographic form; and (3) the Pain Management Index. The sample consisted of 104 hospitalized Hispanic inpatients in a Rio Grande Valley hospital. Mean ratings for current and average pain were moderate, whereas severe mean ratings were reported for worst pain. High interference caused by pain was found for walking and sleep. Patients were satisfied with pain management. However, a negative correlation was found between satisfaction and current pain intensity (r = -.49, p = .001). Pain Management Index scores revealed that 36% of the participants were inadequately treated for pain; also, negative correlations with age indicated less effective management for elders. Reliability estimates for tool subscales were greater than 0.70 except for the Beliefs subscale (0.63). By using logistic regression, satisfaction with pain management was predicted by general pain in the last 24 hours (odds ratio = 4.02), pain-related interference with mood (odds ratio = 7.31), and age (odds ratio = 1.8). Clinical implications include the need to apply standardized guidelines, such as those from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, and to educate patients, particularly minority elders, about pain management approaches. The emergence of Hispanics as the fastest growing minority group increases the need for research regarding pain management outcomes to plan more effective intervention.