Patients are aware of risks of opioid dependence, yet note poor communication from providers about pain and pain management

Commentary on: Smith RJ, Rhodes K, Paciotti B, et al.. Patient perspectives of acute pain management in the era of the opioid epidemic. Ann Emerg Med 2015;66:246–52.e1. Implications for practice and research Nurses are in a position to educate patients about the safe use of opioids as well as improve coordination and communication among the healthcare team regarding pain management strategies. Future research should focus on the role of nurses in delivering patient-centered interventions to improve communication about pain in acute care settings. Context Emergency department (ED) providers are frequently faced with the dilemma of providing adequate pain relief while preventing the potential harms of opioids. In light of the increasing number of deaths related to opioid overdose, many different strategies are being promoted to curb opioid abuse and dependence. However, little is known about the patient's perspective on pain management strategies and...
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Pain management, Pain (neurology), Hospice, Pain (palliative care), Drugs misuse (including addiction), Adult intensive care, Drugs: musculoskeletal and joint diseases, Poisoning, Trauma, Occupational and environmental medicine, Health education, Injury Source Type: research