The following is the position statement on pain relief. Almost all acute and cancer pain can be relieved, and many patients with chronic nonmalignant pain can be helped. Patients have the right to the best pain relief possible. Unrelieved acute pain complicates recovery. Unrelieved pain after surgery or injury results in more complications, longer hospital stays, greater disability and potential long-term pain.
Routine assessment is essential for effective management.
Pain is a subjective and highly variable experience. Therefore patient's self-report of pain should be used whenever possible. For patients unable to report pain, a nonverbal assessment method must be used. Health professionals have a responsibility to assess pain routinely, to believe patients' reports, and to document pain reports, and to intervene in order to prevent pain. The best pain management involves patients, families, and health professionals.