Do we really know if they are in pain? A cross‐sectional study in hospitalised adult patients in Spain

Abstract

Aims

To describe the prevalence and characteristics of pain in adult hospitalised patients, as well as to analyse the concordance between patient‐reported and recorded pain and its impact on analgesic management.

Design

A cross sectional study.

Methods

The study was performed on a sample of 611 patients, from October to December 2017. Data were obtained from patient interviews, review of medical and nursing records and review of electronic prescribing.

Results

The prevalence of pain at the time of the interview was 36.7%. The median VAS score was 4. 90% of the patients had their pain assessed within the last 24 h; however, concordance between patient‐reported pain and recorded pain in the nursing record was slight.

Conclusion

Pain is still often documented inadequately. Despite the wide use of analgesics, half of the patients with moderate to severe pain do not have adequate pain management. A systematic assessment and recording of pain promotes appropriate analgesic prescription.

Implications for the profession and patient care

The findings of our study provide insight into the main gaps in the correct management of pain in hospitalised patients. A systematic assessment and recording of the pain suffered by the patient facilitates its control and allows a better management of the analgesic prescription by the physician. This information could help hospital managers to develop training programmes on pain assessment and on the importance of doctor–nurse collaboration to improve pain management, increasing the quality of care and reducing hospital costs.

Reporting method

The study has adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines, according to The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement: guidelines for reporting observational studies.