With the American Pain Society's blessing, the Joint Commission will include pain management standards in six of its accreditation programs. Earlier this year, the Joint Commission sent copies of the proposed pain management standards to accredited health care organizations, professionals, and consumer groups seeking feedback. The intent statement of standard RI.1.2 now includes managing pain effectively as part of a hospital's efforts to promote patient and family involvement in all aspects of their care. A new standard RI.1.2.8 states that patients have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain. The standard says that pain can be a common part of the patient's experience and that unrelieved pain has adverse physical and psychological effects.
Physicians tend to have a deficit in pain management, and they are finally focusing on it.
Standard PE.1.4 now states that hospital staff assess pain in all patients through a lengthy screening process, including pain intensity, location, onset, duration, effects, and history of pain. Currently, the American Nurses Association is fighting for pain management to become the fifth vital sign. Standard TX3.3 includes a new intent statement that encourages more patient-controlled pain relief. The revised overview in the Care of Patients chapter emphasizes treating such symptoms as pain, nausea, and shortness of breath. Standard TX.5.4 's intent statement now includes a requirement that staff must monitor pain during the post-procedure period, including pain intensity, quality, and responses to treatment.