A small scale exploration of potential benefits of routine rounds by a Chronic Pain Nurse Specialist on orthopaedic wards

A retrospective audit of current practice was undertaken using patients' medical records. This was followed by the CPNS commencing bi-weekly ward rounds and then a further audit. Participants were those admitted to orthopaedic wards with non-malignant musculoskeletal pain for which surgery was not appropriate. The length of hospital stay of these patients was significantly reduced (p = 0.0001). The largest sub-group of patients admitted had chronic back pain, and a greater number of patients received pain management interventions. The introduction of ward rounds by the CPNS appeared to have an effect on the length of stay of this sub-group and on pain management.