Articles: pain-management.
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Labor pain and anxiety are significant challenges in maternal healthcare, often managed through pharmacological interventions. Virtual Reality (VR), as a non- pharmacological method, has emerged as a potential tool for pain and anxiety relief in labor. This integrative review aims to synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), qualitative studies, and mixed-methods research to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in labor pain and anxiety management and to understand patient experiences. ⋯ VR emerges as a promising tool for managing labor pain and anxiety, offering a non-invasive and patient-friendly alternative to traditional pain relief methods. Its implementation in clinical practice could enhance patient satisfaction and overall birthing experiences. However, further research is needed to standardize VR interventions, assess long-term effects, and determine cost-effectiveness. The findings encourage the consideration of VR as part of holistic maternal care, emphasizing the need to integrate patient-centered healthcare technologies.
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In addition to the usual evaluation approach (usually a clinical randomized trial in the sense of the question: does an intervention work), complex interventions require further systematic investigations to prove their effectiveness. The role of the context in which the intervention is delivered is essential here, as is consideration of the question of why an intervention works (or does not work). ⋯ In an effectiveness model, concrete, verifiable assumptions are formulated as to how an intervention produces changes that are reflected in the endpoint. This article provides a brief introduction to methodological approaches to effectiveness research on complex interventions and uses the PAIN 2.0 project (01NVF20023) to describe in concrete terms what an effectiveness model for interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy for the prevention of chronic pain in an outpatient setting might look like.
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Observational Study
Disparities in pain management among transgender patients presenting to the emergency department for abdominal pain.
Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals have a gender identity or expression that differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. They are an underserved population who experience health care inequities. Our primary objective was to identify if there are treatment differences between TGD and cisgender lesbian/gay/bisexual/queer (LGBQ) or heterosexual individuals presenting with abdominal pain to the emergency department (ED). ⋯ There was no difference in frequency of pain assessment, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. More cisgender men, compared to TGD and cisgender women, received opioids for their pain.
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Pediatric femur fractures often necessitate surgical intervention, with pain management being critical for both immediate and long-term outcomes. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) and neuraxial techniques are effective in providing targeted pain relief while minimizing systemic opioid exposure. Despite their benefits, the utilization of these anesthesia techniques in pediatric orthopedic surgeries is limited, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged patients. ⋯ The findings underscore significant disparities in the application of regional anesthesia, influenced by socioeconomic factors. Our study highlights the need for standardized guidelines and interventions to address these disparities, ensuring equitable access to effective pain management techniques in pediatric orthopedic care. Further research is warranted to understand the barriers to the utilization of PNB and to develop strategies to enhance its adoption, particularly among underserved populations.
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Innovations in technology offer potential solutions to address pain care inequities. To maximize impacts, greater understanding is needed regarding preferences and priorities of people experiencing or treating pain. ⋯ Including preferences of user groups can assist in creating resources that are likely to be useful for those with pain and their caregivers. Innovations are needed to address persisting gaps in care.