FAMILY HEALTH
Pain Gain
Managing is a
Managing pain is an important Most people think about medications first to relieve part of a person’s hospital pain, but McMaster said other stay, and the health care team resources are also being made at Stormont-Vail Regional available to patients. Patient Health Center is committed education about pain is also to making sure patients are as comfortable as possible. a big piece of the initiative to Shelly McMaster, RN, MBA, better manage pain. BSN, director of Critical Care, Effective comfort and Pulmonary and Respiratory pain management strategies Services, said the goal of the may include using a warm health care team is to ensure compress or heating pad to patient needs are addressed relieve soreness, or the use of and to provide realistic pain an ice pack, warm blanket or management options. She an extra pillow. Actions that noted pain during a major may provide comfort include: illness or injury, surgery or repositioning in bed, taking a childbirth often exists, but the walk, turning on a fan, taking Surgery staff member Connie Rangel, RN, takes a moment to visit with a severity of symptoms can be a bath or shower, doing gentle managed. stretching, or having some family member of a surgery patient. Discussing pain management options “We talk to the patient quiet, uninterrupted time. prior, during and after surgery can help patients better understand what about an acceptable pain level Taking care of a person to expect. and then work together to emotionally is also important develop pain goals,” McMaster in pain management. Having said. “We may not be able to make them completely pain free, but we a visit from a chaplain or clergy, or a social worker may be important. can set reasonable and acceptable pain levels.” Having reading materials or access to movies, a stress ball, playing cards In some cases, such as surgery, the discussion about pain or listening to music can also sometimes ease pain. management ideally needs to take place prior to the procedure so that a Changes are taking place behind the scenes at Stormont-Vail, too, plan is in place. That’s not always possible or circumstances may change, with staff making sure pain management protocols are standardized so hospital staff provides pain management discussion and tools. across the hospital. Staff is also gaining a better understanding of what “Everyone’s pain threshold is different,” she said. “Having these medications or activities work best to relieve pain in specific situations. discussions with patients helps us in understanding their pain,” McMaster said the organization is working with internal experts and McMaster said. exploring best practices to help patients manage their pain. – Anita Fry
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