Whenever possible, the patient's plan of care for pain management should begin during the preoperative interview. The patient's self-report of pain is the best measurement tool to use when assessing pain. The use of reliable and valid pain scales should be a standard part of the pain assessment. Measurement of outcomes should reflect timely, appropriate interventions and achievement of desired effects. Outcomes Perianesthesia nurses need to familiarize themselves with this position statement and inform and educate peers, nurse managers, hospital administrators and physicians.
Most patients face pain, often unrelieved, after surgery.
Development and implementation of a pain management program. AORN Journal 64. Improving pain management through staff education. Managing postoperative pain in the elderly. Preoperative self-efficacy and postoperative behaviors.