Assessing and evaluating pain management among residents in residential aged care facilities: a best practice implementation project

Abstract

Background Pain of varying degrees affects a large number of residents living in aged care facilities. If not controlled adequately, pain can have a profound effect on an individual’s quality of life. St Martin de Porres is a 41 bed aged care facility in Newcastle. The residents who live in the facility are both high and low care and have varying degrees of cognition. At the time of the project there were 31 high care and 9 low care permanent residents living in the facility. The hostel also has one respite bed, but this bed was not included in the audits as it provides short term accommodation and a different package of assessments are used. Chart reviews have highlighted effective initial pain assessments, effective re-assessments, but a deficit in the area of ongoing pain assessment and evaluation. Aims/Objectives The aim was to audit the current practices in relation to pain assessment and evaluation, outline a plan to improve local practice based on the results of the audit, and then to re-audit following the implementation to identify change of practice. Methods This project utilised two audits, the first to identify gaps in assessment and evaluation of pain management and the second to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation phase. The implementation phase included an education session and the introduction of two tools for staff to use. The audits were identified from the JBI PACES program. Results All staff providing care to residents received education focused on assessment and evaluation of pain management. The Abbey pain scale has been introduced as a tool to be used to assess ongoing pain. A pain chart has been introduced to provide a means of evaluating the effectiveness of pain management interventions. Conclusions There are now tools available for care staff to assess and evaluate pain. Care staff have been provided with education on pain management, and future sessions will be scheduled into staff meeting agendas. The topic of pain management has now become a topic that every staff member who provides care is aware of, and is contributing to on a daily basis.