Pilot testing implementation of the pain management clinical practice guideline in nursing homes

Abstract

Pain is a common symptom for older adults living with dementia in nursing homes. Unfortunately, there are many challenges to pain assessment, diagnosis and management for these individuals. The purpose of this study was to pilot test the implementation of the newly published Pain Management Clinical Practice Guideline from AMDA: The Society of Post Acute and Long-Term Care using our theoretically based Pain-CPG-EIT approach. Implementation was provided by a research nurse facilitator and included four components: Component I: Establishing and working with a stakeholder team monthly; Component II: Education of the staff; Component III: Mentoring and motivating the staff; and Component IV: Ongoing monitoring of pain assessment, diagnosis and management for residents. Findings provide some preliminary support for the feasibility and effectiveness of our implementation approach.