Articles: pain-management-methods.
-
In the postoperative pain setting, the use of opioid analgesics remains essential in achieving effective analgesia and in avoiding the deleterious sequelae of uncontrolled pain that can worsen patient outcomes. However, postoperative pain remains undertreated in many patients. Choosing the most appropriate use of opioids in the postoperative setting, especially for patients undergoing ongoing opioid treatment for chronic pain, can pose daunting challenges for many clinicians. In this article, we examine the pitfalls that may be encountered when implementing postoperative pain management strategies with opioid analgesics, especially in patients receiving chronic opioid therapy prior to admission, and the critical steps for appropriate and effective analgesia in this setting.
-
Despite limited empirical support, chronic pain has traditionally been defined mainly on the basis of its duration, which takes no account of the causative mechanisms or its clinical significance. ⋯ The implementation of a prognostic definition and wider adoption of integrated care could bring significant advantages. However, these measures require improved training in pain management and structural revision of specialist facilities, for which political support is essential.
-
Musculoskeletal injuries are commonly treated by prehospital providers. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma supports the early management of musculoskeletal injuries including analgesia, repositioning and splint application. ⋯ Strongly consider administering analgesia to any patient with a suspected musculoskeletal injury; the majority of these patients go on to receive analgesia in the hospital while their time in the ambulance is likely the most uncomfortable period of their care. When applying a splint, remember that effective splints are complete, compact and comfortable.
-
Comparative Study
Using elastomeric infusion pumps for traumatic rib fracture pain.