Pain severity is the key to emergency department patientsʼ preferred frequency of pain assessment

Abstract

This study's objective was to ascertain emergency department (ED) patient preferences for pain assessment frequency. This was a prospective, convenience-sample trial of all-diagnosis adults with pain at least 3/10, in an academic ED (census 90 000). Using a computer-based automated pain tracker, patients entered initial pain level and indicated how frequently they wanted pain assessed. Automated pain tracker prompted patients to update pain levels and pain assessment frequency preferences. Regression was used to assess relationships between patient factors and the endpoint 'frequency of preferred pain assessment.' There was no association between initially suggested time interval (median, 15 min) and sex (P = 0.455), race (P = 0.976), age (P = 0.391), or in-room visitors (P = 0.956). Pain severity was associated with preference for more frequent pain assessment (P = 0.009). ED patients' preference for pain assessment is approximately 15 min, with more frequent intervals preferred when pain is severe.