What are effective ways to manage patient pain?

1 Assess pain levels

The first step to manage pain is to assess its severity, frequency, location, and impact on daily activities. You can use standardized pain scales, such as the numeric rating scale (NRS) or the faces pain scale (FPS), to help your clients communicate their pain levels to their health care providers. You can also encourage your clients to keep a pain diary, where they can record their pain scores, triggers, relief measures, and side effects. This can help them track their progress and identify patterns or trends.

2 Advocate for pain relief

The second step to manage pain is to advocate for your clients' right to receive adequate and timely pain relief. You can help your clients understand their pain treatment options, such as medications, non-pharmacological interventions, complementary therapies, and palliative care. You can also help them communicate their preferences, goals, and concerns to their health care providers, and ensure that they are involved in the decision-making process. You can also monitor their response to pain treatment, and report any changes, problems, or adverse effects.

3 Educate about pain management

The third step to manage pain is to educate your clients about pain management and empower them to take an active role in their care. You can provide them with reliable and relevant information about pain, its causes, mechanisms, and treatments. You can also teach them coping skills, such as relaxation techniques, distraction methods, positive thinking, and self-care. You can also help them set realistic and achievable goals, and celebrate their successes and achievements.

4 Support emotional well-being

The fourth step to manage pain is to support your clients' emotional well-being and address any psychological or social issues that may affect their pain experience. You can provide them with emotional support, such as listening, empathizing, validating, and encouraging. You can also help them access professional counseling, support groups, or other resources that may help them cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or grief. You can also help them maintain their social connections, hobbies, and interests, and promote their sense of meaning and purpose.

5 Collaborate with the care team

The fifth step to manage pain is to collaborate with your clients' care team and ensure that their pain management plan is coordinated and consistent. You can act as a liaison between your clients and their health care providers, and facilitate communication and information sharing. You can also advocate for your clients' needs and preferences, and ensure that they are respected and honored. You can also participate in care conferences, meetings, or reviews, and provide feedback and suggestions.

6 Review and revise

The sixth step to manage pain is to review and revise your clients' pain management plan regularly and adjust it according to their changing needs and goals. You can help your clients evaluate their pain outcomes, such as pain relief, function, comfort, and satisfaction. You can also help them identify any barriers, challenges, or gaps in their pain management, and seek solutions or alternatives. You can also help them recognize and acknowledge their strengths, resilience, and achievements.