MO126: A ‘Point Prevalence’ Pain Study over 2 Days in Three Dialysis Units in the West of IRELAND

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Point prevalence studies are observational studies, without intervention, and involve collecting data, in patients in multiple care units, at a specific time. It provides no information on outcomes but provides information on how common a problem is, and current management. This type of study can be an ongoing program consisting of multiple research collection days, each performing multiple, independent studies simultaneously. The point prevalence studies are purely observational, and no intervention is required by the study protocol. The aim of the study is to understand prescribing patterns of analgesia to dialysis patients and incidence of pain among them. METHOD This project is a prospective, observational, multicentre, 2-day, point prevalence study of three chronic dialysis units on the prevalence of pain in all patients in receipt of dialysis. Data were gathered regarding analgesia prescribed to patients and whether patients reported pain to the haemodialysis (HD) staff. RESULTS A total of 164 patients were audited, with an average age of 67.8 years. Approximately 19.5% of dialysis patients presenting reported pain. The average age of these patients was 70 years. The most common cause was MSK (34%) then cramps (31%), vascular access pain (16%), ‘other’ (13%) and vascular wounds (6%). Approximately 12.5% of those patients with pain were reviewed by a doctor. Approximately 50% of the patients are prescribed analgesia. This varied amongst dialysis units with 52% and 26% of patients in the two public units prescribed analgesia and 70% of patients in the private unit. Types of analgesia prescribed to HD patients were paracetamol (75.46%), neuropathic agent (20.12%), codeine (6), tramadol (4), tapentadol (3), pure opioid (4), buphenorphine patch (3) and lidocaine patches (2). CONCLUSION This shows a significant impact of pain amongst dialysis patient presenting daily to dialysis units. A prospective research study is planned using a novel Pain App specifically developed for HD patients. This may be structured as a Cluster Clinical trial to compare and contrast outcomes in different centres.