Effective Pain Management Promotes Positive Patient Outcomes

Problem: Pain is defined as subjective; there are no lab tests, x-rays, or scans to prove its existence or intensity. It is what the patient states. Pain is a common occurrence resulting in multiple physician visits; nevertheless, it remains under-assessed, under-documented, and under-treated. Ineffective pain management is a common cause for detrimental patient outcome. Failing to reassess patient’s pain level one hour after a medical intervention is the number one cause of inadequate pain management. The goal for pain management is to promote increased patient satisfaction, decrease hospital length of stay, and increase overall patient outcome.