Pain management
For this issue of our e-newsletter we have chosen to find resources about pain management. If you have any topics of particular interest that you would like us to search for information on for later newsletters please email hca@rcn.org.uk
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A selection of resources you may not have already seen:
Caring for the Patient in Pain
A selection of resources available in your RCN library on assessing and managing pain
Fallon, M. and Colvin, L. (2012) ABC of pain Wiley-Blackwell
Kuttner, L. (2010) A child in pain: what health professionals can do to help Crown House
Lynch, M.; Craig, K. and Peng, P. (2011) Clinical pain management: a practical guide Wiley-Blackwell
Websites
Royal College of Nursing (2009) Clinical practice guidelines: the recognition and assessment of acute pain in children: update of full guidance
http://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/269185/003542.pdf
British Pain Society: information for patients
http://www.britishpainsociety.org/patient_home.htm
NHS Choices: Living with Pain
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/pain/pages/painhome.aspx
Journal articles
Treating acute pain in children.
Author: Watkins, Jean.
Publication info: Independent Nurse (May 21, 2012): 27-29.
Abstract: Controlling pain in children. Key points in assessing and treating acute pain in children are considered and treatment options are outlined. 12 references
Pain assessment tools for the child with severe learning disability.
Author: McKay, Mary; Clarke, Sonya.
Publication info: Nursing Children and Young People 24. 2 (2012): 14-19.
Abstract: Literature review concerning pain assessment tools recommended by the Royal College of Nursing for use when nursing children with severe learning disabilities. The challenges of pain assessment after orthopaedic surgery are discussed in relation to use of the Non-communicating Children's Pain Checklist, the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability tool and the Paediatric Pain Profile.27 references
New criteria for assessing and treating neuropathic pain.
Author: D'Arcy, Yvonne.
Publication info: Nursing 41. 12 (December 2011): 61-62.
Abstract: Controlling Pain series. Distinguishing neuropathic pain from non-neuropathic pain. Guidelines for the assessment of neuropathic pain produced by the International Association for the Study of Pain are discussed. The assessment of patients' pain and medication choices for neuropathic pain are described and illustrated with case studies of patients with post-mastectomy pain and phantom limb pain. Five references
Patient empowerment and choice in chronic pain management.
Author: Barrie, J.
Publication info: Nursing Standard 25. 31 (April 6, 2011): 38-41.
Abstract: Empowering patients to self-manage their chronic pain. The importance of patient choice in decision making, and the disparity of local pain services available in the UK is highlighted. The role of therapeutic relationships between health professionals and patients is explored and the factors that are catalysts to patient empowerment are listed. 23 references
'Paws' to provide comfort, relieve pain.
Author: D'Arcy, Y.
Publication info: Nursing 41. 4 (April 2011): 67-68.
Abstract: Controlling Pain series. Value of therapy animal visits for relieving pain and comforting patients. Animal assisted activities, such as visits of patients' own pets, and the benefits and risks of therapy using animals are discussed and nursing care plans involving animal assisted therapy are outlined. 11 references
Managing chronic pain.
Author: Selby, M.
Publication info: Practice Nurse 41. 2 (February 11, 2011): 14-19.
Abstract: Prevalence, causes and management of chronic pain. Conditions associated with chronic pain are listed and the function of brain areas involved in perception of pain are illustrated. Nociceptive, neuropathic and total pain are explained. Listening and good communication in taking a pain history, setting treatment goals, advising on non-drug treatments, and the analgesic step ladder for acute pain are discussed. Five references
Message received?
Author: Gibson, L; Matthews, D; Regnard, C.
Publication info: Learning Disability Today 10. 8 (October 2010): 24-25.
Abstract: Identifying distress and pain in people with learning disabilities through recognition of verbal and non-verbal signs. The need for meaningful verbal and non-verbal communication between nurses or other professionals and people with learning disabilities is discussed, including the use of the Disability Distress Assessment Tool (DisDAT) to help identify cues. Six references
Explaining the symptoms of pain.
Author: Swann, J.
Publication info: British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 4. 9 (September 2010): 424-429.
Abstract: The causes of pain and factors involved in its assessment. Types of pain, the way they are experienced and systems of pain assessment are listed, including an illustration of the Won-Baker Faces pain rating. Difficulties in assessment when patients have poor vision or communication problems, together with recording of non-verbal signs of pain are described and further resources are outlined. Nine references
How to ensure acute pain in older people is appropriately assessed and managed.
Author: Banicek, J.
Publication info: Nursing Times 106. 29 (July 27, 2010): 14-17.
Abstract: Pain assessment and management strategies for older people and the challenges, especially when caring for patients with dementia or cognitive impairment. Types of assessment tool are identified and drug options are reviewed, including types, causes and prevention of adverse reactions. 21 references
Pain: causes, effects and assessment.
Author: Swann, J.
Publication info: Nursing and Residential Care 12. 5 (May 2010): 212-215.
Abstract: Phenomenon of pain, including causes, types and physiology. The role of staff in conducting pain assessments in care homes is described. 13 references
DISCLAIMER: This information has been selected by RCN Information and Knowledge Management from reputable sources. We hope you find it useful. However, we do not accept responsibility for the wording, content and accuracy of the information at sites linked to.