Related Experiment Videos
Pain assessment and cognitive impairment: part 2
Elizabeth Davies1, Margaret Male, Valerie Reimer
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia. e.davies@nursing.uq.edu.au
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|December 31, 2004
Summary
Assessing pain in adults with cognitive impairment requires a tool combining physiological and behavioral indicators. Nurse experience and training are crucial for effective pain observation and documentation.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing Science
- Pain Management
Background:
- Cognitively impaired adults often experience challenges in communicating pain.
- Effective pain assessment is crucial for improving quality of life and care outcomes in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a multi-dimensional tool for pain assessment in adults with cognitive impairment.
- To identify factors influencing pain assessment practices in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A multi-dimensional pain assessment tool was implemented.
- Data collected included tool usage rates, frequency of observed pain indicators, and nursing staff perceptions.
- Factors aiding or impeding pain assessment were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Certain pain indicators were more frequently observed and documented.
- Compliance with recording pain observations on every shift was inconsistent among nurses.
- Nursing staff knowledge and experience were key factors facilitating pain assessment.
Conclusions:
- Pain assessment in cognitively impaired adults should integrate physiological and behavioral indicators.
- Assessment should be guided by clinical judgment and followed by reassessment after interventions.
- Continued use of a combined indicator approach is recommended.