Ethical Challenges of Acute Pain Management: A Scoping Review

Acute pain significantly impairs patients' quality of life and well-being. Its management frequently presents complex ethical dilemmas for healthcare professionals, particularly when dealing with diverse patient populations, raising critical questions about practice and equity. The primary objective of this scoping review is to examine the ethical challenges encountered by healthcare professionals in managing acute pain. By exploring these dilemmas, the review aims to enhance understanding of the complexities involved in pain management across different patient demographics.

Scoping review conducted following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases, including ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, focusing on studies published up to April 2025 without any lower date restrictions. Thematic analysis of ethical challenges identified within the included literature. Fifty-three relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed to identify and synthesize themes related to ethical challenges in acute pain management.

Key ethical challenges identified include navigating informed consent processes, managing patient expectations effectively, and balancing the benefits of pain relief (particularly with opioids) against significant risks like dependence and misuse. The findings underscore the critical importance of a patient-centered approach, reliant on clear communication and interprofessional collaboration. Cultural sensitivity and strict adherence to medical ethics principles were emphasized as paramount, especially for vulnerable populations.

This review advocates for integrating ethical considerations into clinical decision-making frameworks and promoting empathetic responses through training programs. By addressing these themes, it seeks to enhance healthcare practitioners' understanding and improve best practices in acute pain management, ultimately leading to better quality of care and patient outcomes.