Pain, perceptions, and perceived conflicts: improving the patient's experience

Pain is the number 1 reason patients seek care in an emergency department (ED). A limiting factor for effective pain management may be clinical staff attitudes about pain and pain management. Analysis of data from an investigation into pain, perceptions, and perceived conflicts of ED staff pain management revealed a need for change. Operation Pain and ED pain champions created an environment that promoted enhanced pain management resulting in measurable outcomes. Emergency nurses participating in Operation Pain placed a higher priority on pain management for their patients.