Implementing a Pain Management Program in a Long-Term Care Facility Using a Quality Improvement Approach

Pain evaluation and management is of paramount importance because of its high prevalence and demonstrated deleterious effects on both quality of life and long-term survival. Tools for verbal and nonverbal evaluation of pain are necessary in both NH and SCF. Also, regular cognitive and behavioral assessment may help evaluate pain by providing additional information to physicians, nurses, and other caregivers when treatment becomes more challenging and complex. The use of standard standing orders can easily help decrease the potential of toxicity related to the use of analgesics.