Implementing an Evidence-Based Functional Pain Assessment Scale in an Adult Inpatient Unit

The focus on pain assessment using a single, one-dimension pain assessment scale can be problematic. Locally, challenges we faced with this were; a) pain was percieved as not being effectively managed, b) patients with chronic pain were not having their pain adequately controlled, and c) misconceptions and subsequent confusion between health care teams and patients related to what pain intensity scores mean to each individual.

The purpose of this paper is to describe an evidence-based practice project aiming at improving pain assessment through the implementation of a Functional Pain Scale (FPS) on an adult inpatient cardiothoracic unit.

The Iowa Model-Revised and the Implementation Strategies for Evidence- Based Practice Guide served as the framework for this project.

Over an 18-month period at a academic tertiary medical center in the midwest.

Staff and patients on an adult inpatient 48-bed medical and surgical cardiothoracic unit.

Following a synthesis of the evidence, implementation of the FPS required various strategies, such as, individualized patient and staff education, audit and feedback, a pain policy revision, and creating documentation in the electronic medical record. Evaluation of the FPS consisted of patient and staff surveys pre- and postimplementation to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

After the pilot period, over 75% of the patients preferred to use the FPS and almost all the patients found the scale easy to use. Nurses reported an increase in perception that pain documentation was complete, that the FPS allowed them to accurately document their patients' pain experience, and that their patients were well informed of their pain management plan.

This project supports successful implementation of the FPS within nursing workflow. The goal of using the FPS is to change pain management discussions from an intensity reduction to meeting goals of care, aligning expectations, and creating common language among patients and providers.