Bias in Pain Care Documentation: An ASPMN Position Statement

Bias in pain care documentation is a known contributor to disparities in pain assessment, treatment, and health outcomes. Language used in clinical documentation shapes clinician perceptions, influences clinical decision-making, and affects patient trust and engagement. Evidence shows that stigmatizing and biased language in health records can perpetuate implicit bias, disproportionately affect marginalized populations, and contribute to unequal pain management. Given the central role of nursing documentation in guiding care, the American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) asserts that eliminating bias in pain care documentation is essential to advancing ethical and person-centered pain management. This position statement outlines the scope of the issue, reviews current evidence, and provides recommendations to promote objective, respectful, and unbiased documentation practices.