Other: Innovative and creative approach to developing a pain management program for the elderly in a large long term care facility

Abstract

All types of pain in our society are under treated with special attention to the geriatric population as high risk for under treatment (Jovey, R. D., et al, 2003). In a large long term care facility in Ontario, the nursing leadership came up with an innovative and proactive approach to address the growing concerns of under recognition and under treatment of pain in the elderly population. Through critical & innovative thinking, research and clinical evidence, the nursing leadership developed a creative approach to improve the quality of life of the elderly, increase patient satisfaction, improve nursing clinical practice, and encourage working collaboration with the multidisciplinary & interdisciplinary team. Amidst financial constraints, a nursing proposal to gain commitment from the different stakeholders including but not limited to senior management, foundation, family & residents and members of the interdisciplinary health care team was developed and submitted for an external donor funding to improve pain management and enhance the quality of life in the elderly. All types of pain in our society are under treated with special attention to the geriatric population as high risk for under treatment (Jovey, R. D., et al, 2003). In a large long term care facility in Ontario, the nursing leadership came up with an innovative and proactive approach to address the growing concerns of under recognition and under treatment of pain in the elderly population. Through critical & innovative thinking, research and clinical evidence, the nursing leadership developed a creative approach to improve the quality of life of the elderly, increase patient satisfaction, improve nursing clinical practice, and encourage working collaboration with the multidisciplinary & interdisciplinary team. Amidst financial constraints, a nursing proposal to gain commitment from the different stakeholders including but not limited to senior management, foundation, family & residents and members of the interdisciplinary health care team was developed and submitted for an external donor funding to improve pain management and enhance the quality of life in the elderly.