Understanding Pain Management
Adapted from a document from Central Iowa Health Systems

It is the policy of this hospital to respect and support the patient's right to the best possible pain assessment and management. Pain is assessed in all patients of this hospital.

What is pain?

It's feelings of hurt or discomfort. Pain can range from dull aches to sharp, stabbing sensations. Pain is physical. It's also emotional. No two people are the same. That's why you have to believe our patients when they tell you they're in pain.

What is pain management?

It's helping our patients be as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Pain management means knowing how to assess each patient's pain, use pain relief methods correctly, and how to teach patients and their families. It's very important for you to know that this hospital is committed to pain management. Good pain management benefits everyone. It can help:

• Make sure patients and healthcare workers have a better treatment experience.
• Speed patients' recoveries.
• Keep health care costs down

Good pain management also helps our organization meet standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCHAO).

Pain management is a team effort

Some of the members of the pain management team are: doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, mental health professionals, social workers, pharmacists, religious or spiritual leaders, and you. Patient and family input plays an important role in managing the pain. Encourage our patients to get involved in every step of the way.

Patient's Rights and Responsibilities

A patient can expect:

• Information about pain and how to treat pain.
• A concerned staff dedicated to preventing pain.
• Health workers who respond quickly to reports of pain.
• State-of-the-art pain management.

We will expect patients to:

• Ask their doctor or nurse what to expect regarding pain and pain management.
• Discuss pain relief choices with the doctor or nurse.
• Work with the doctor and nurse to make a pain management plan.
• Ask for pain relief when pain first begins.
• Help the doctor and nurse measure their pain.
• Tell the doctor or nurse if the pain is not better.

What can YOU do to help with pain management?

It is the responsibility of all clinical staff to assess the patient for pain and response to treatment. You will have more education on our organization's pain assessment and management policy/ It is the responsibility of all non-clinical staff to report to a clinical staff member (such as a nurse or therapist) when a patient complains of pain so that management of that pain may start right away.

If you have any questions or concerns about your responsibility in good pain management, ask your department manager or supervisor.

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