Proactive Supportive and Palliative Care in Surgical and Medical Intensive Care Units: Influence On Length of Stay (716)

Abstract

Result. The following themes were identified: 1) Multi-dimensional PaindPain is more than a physical manifestation of discomfort; it includes a synthesis of discomfort and other sequela. 2) Multi-factorial InfluencedFactors that influence the pain experience includes the following: mood, disease symptoms, body language, medication side effects, alertness, and functional status. 3) Numbers Aren’t EnoughdThe traditional 0-to-10 scale does not adequately reflect patients’ experience of pain. 4) Tolerable PaindThe patient’s goal for pain control is achievement of a tolerable of pain rather than a complete absence of pain.