A regional pain management audit

An audit was carried out in the Northern and Yorkshire region to assess postoperative pain management outcomes. Pain scores were measured in the recovery room at 24 hours and at seven days postoperatively, at rest and on movement. A verbal numerical rating score (VNRS) tool was used. Data was also collected on the modalities of pain management. The results show that a large percentage of patients reported unacceptable levels of pain despite changes in practice and the development of acute pain management teams. Epidural infusion was the most effective modality and intramuscular opioid with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and codeine were shown to be more effective than patient-controlled analgesia. Sites with pain management teams did not provide better pain management for postoperative patients.