Pain management after discharge from the ED

Pain is an important but understudied and often overlooked aspect of emergency medical care. This study examined the management of pain after discharged of patients from the emergency department (ED). We hypothesized that pain management after discharge would be adequate, and that patients would use their medications as prescribed. We surveyed 144 patients by telephone after they had been treated in the ED for common orthopedic complaints. We used a standardized questionnaire to assess prescription-filling practices, side effects of medications, interventions by other health-care professionals, and adequacy of pain relief. Most patients discharged from the ED with a prescription for medication were satisfied with their pain relief (77%). Of those who did not fill their prescription, only 67% were satisfied. Although 26% of the patients reported side effects, most were minor. Thirteen percent of patients with prescribed medications did not fill their prescriptions. Of patients for whom narcotic analgesics were prescribed, 7% drove vehicles while taking these medications. The patients in the study were quite satisfied with their pain control. Most filled their prescriptions and did so in a timely manner. Those who did not fill prescriptions for medications reported the least satisfaction with pain control.