Prevention and relief of pain is important in the treatment of each patient at University Hospital. A comprehensive approach to pain management is ensured through proactive pain control advocated by the health care team in collaboration with the patient and family members to provide optimal patient comfort. Treatment is based on the patient's report or pain with consideration given to age, culture, gender and cognition. Every patient is assessed for level of pain at the point of entry into the University Hospital.
Further evaluation is initiated depending on the response.
Pain is rated on a scale of 0 - 10 utilizing a hand held scale which also has color intensity and face pain ratings. Assessments, education and feedback on patient's pain conducted by patient care services are supported by departmental protocols. Any interventions required for pain control are communicated to the physician and other health care team members to promote the continuum of care and address the patient's pain needs. Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods are considered. Follow-up for all interventions is documented in the patient record by protocol.