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Patient and Caregiver Prioritization of Palliative and End-of-Life Cancer Care Quality Measures. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:1429-1435. [PMID: 34405352 PMCID: PMC9086093 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development and prioritization of quality measures typically relies on experts in clinical medicine, but patients and their caregivers may have different perspectives on quality measurement priorities. OBJECTIVE To inform priorities for health system implementation of palliative cancer and end-of-life care quality measures by eliciting perspectives of patients and caregivers. DESIGN Using modified RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Panel methods and materials tailored for knowledgeable lay participants, we convened a panel to rate cancer palliative care process quality measure concepts before and after a 1-day, in-person meeting. PARTICIPANTS Nine patients and caregivers with experience living with or caring for patients with cancer. MAIN MEASURES Panelists rated each concept on importance for providing patient- and family-centered care on a nine-point scale and each panelist nominated five highest priority measure concepts ("top 5"). KEY RESULTS Cancer patient and caregiver panelists rated all measure concepts presented as highly important to patient- and family- centered care (median rating ≥ 7) in pre-panel (mean rating range, 6.9-8.8) and post-panel ratings (mean rating range, 7.2-8.9). Forced choice nominations of the "top 5" helped distinguish similarly rated measure concepts. Measure concepts nominated into the "top 5" by three or more panelists included two measure concepts of communication (goals of care discussions and discussion of prognosis), one measure concept on providing comprehensive assessments of patients, and three on symptoms including pain management plans, improvement in pain, and depression management plans. Patients and caregivers nominated one additional measure concept (pain screening) back into consideration, bringing the total number of measure concepts under consideration to 21. CONCLUSIONS Input from cancer patients and caregivers helped identify quality measurement priorities for health system implementation. Forced choice nominations were useful to discriminate concepts with the highest perceived importance. Our approach serves as a model for incorporating patient and caregiver priorities in quality measure development and implementation.
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Cross Disciplinary Role Agreement is Needed When Coordinating Long-Term Opioid Prescribing for Cancer: a Qualitative Study. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:1867-1874. [PMID: 33948790 PMCID: PMC8298631 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06747-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer pain is highly prevalent and often managed in primary care or by oncology providers in combination with primary care providers. OBJECTIVES To understand interdisciplinary provider experiences coordinating opioid pain management for patients with chronic cancer-related pain in a large integrated healthcare system. DESIGN Qualitative research. PARTICIPANTS We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with interdisciplinary providers in two large academically affiliated VA Medical Centers and their associated community-based outpatient clinics. Participants included primary care providers (PCPs) and oncology-based personnel (OBPs). APPROACH We deductively identified 94 examples of care coordination for cancer pain in the 20 interviews. We secondarily used an inductive open coding approach and identified themes through constant comparison coming to research team consensus. RESULTS Theme 1: PCPs and OBPs generally believed one provider should handle all opioid prescribing for a specific patient, but did not always agree on who that prescriber should be in the context of cancer pain. Theme 2: There are special circumstances where having multiple prescribers is appropriate (e.g., a pain crisis). Theme 3: A collaborative process to opioid cancer pain management would include real-time communication and negotiation between PCPs and oncology around who will handle opioid prescribing. Theme 4: Providers identified multiple barriers in coordinating cancer pain management across disciplines. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight how real-time negotiation about roles in opioid pain management is needed between interdisciplinary clinicians. Lack of cross-disciplinary role agreement may result in delays in clinically appropriate cancer pain management.
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"Sometimes you wonder, is this really true?": Clinician assessment of patients' subjective experience of pain. J Eval Clin Pract 2020; 26:1048-1053. [PMID: 31680385 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is a subjective experience that must be translated by clinicians into an objective assessment to guide intervention. OBJECTIVE To understand how patients' subjective experience of pain is translated by primary care clinicians into an objective clinical assessment of pain to effectively guide intervention. METHODS We conducted nine multidisciplinary focus groups with a combined total of 60 Veteran affair (VA) primary care providers and staff from two large VA medical centers in California and Oregon. We used content analysis methods to identify key themes pertaining to clinical assessment of a subjective experience. RESULTS We present four emergent themes. Theme 1: Pain is a highly individualized and subjective experience not adequately captured by a simple numeric scale; Theme 2: Conflict commonly exists between the patient's reported experience of pain and the clinician's observations and expectations of pain; Theme 3: Providers attempt to recalibrate the patient's reported experience to reflect their own understanding of pain; and Theme 4: Providers perceive that some patients may overreport their pain because they do not know how to standardize their subjective experience. CONCLUSIONS A persistent challenge to pain assessment and management is how clinicians reconcile a patient's subjective self-reported experience with their own clinical assessment and personal biases. Future work should explore these themes from the patient perspective.
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Pain Screening in the Older Adult With Delirium. Pain Manag Nurs 2019; 20:519-525. [PMID: 31473169 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with cognitive impairments who are unable to self-report pain, nurses must rely on behavioral observation tools to assess and manage pain. Although frequently employed in medical-surgical units, evidence supporting the psychometric efficacy of the Pain in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) for pain screening in older adults with delirium is lacking. AIM To examine the psychometrics of the PAINAD for older adults with delirium in medical-surgical settings. DESIGN A descriptive repeated measures design. SETTING Medical-surgical units in an urban tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-eight older adults with delirium. METHODS Patients with delirium unable to self-report pain were screened by two data collectors with the PAINAD and the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT). Patients with a PAINAD score ≥3 or a CPOT score ≥2 received a pain intervention. Pain assessments were repeated 30 minutes post baseline or pain intervention. RESULTS Patients were predominately female (58.8%) with dementia (71%). Thirty-nine patients screened positive for pain and received a pain intervention. PAINAD reliability was strong (Cronbach's α = 0.81-0.87; interrater intraclass coefficients [ICC] = 0.91-0.94; test-retest ICC = 0.76-0.77). Construct validity was supported by a statistically significant interaction effect between time (baseline versus follow-up) and condition (pain intervention versus no pain group; Rater 1: F(1,66) = 8.31, p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.11; Rater 2: F(1,66) = 8.22, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.11. CONCLUSIONS The PAINAD is a reliable and valid tool for pain screening for older adults with delirium in medical-surgical settings. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Pain and delirium frequently co-occur in the older adult population. Best practices require a holistic assessment for contributing pain and non-pain factors in patients exhibiting distress.
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Can Multidimensional Pain Assessment Tools Help Improve Pain Outcomes in the Perianesthesia Setting? J Perianesth Nurs 2018; 33:767-772. [PMID: 30236587 PMCID: PMC6166883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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"It Encourages Them to Complain": A Qualitative Study of the Unintended Consequences of Assessing Patient-Reported Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2018; 19:562-568. [PMID: 29421247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.12.270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The "Pain as the 5th Vital Sign" initiative intended to address undertreatment of pain by encouraging routine pain assessment and management. In the Veterans Health Administration, routine pain screening has been practiced in primary care for more than a decade, but has not improved the quality of pain management measured using several process indicators, and some have expressed concerns of potentially fostering undesirable use of prescription opioids. We sought to evaluate the consequences of routine pain screening on clinical practice. We conducted 9 interdisciplinary focus groups with 60 primary care providers and staff from 5 outpatient Veterans Health Administration clinics. We identified 5 themes reflecting 1 intended and 4 unintended consequences of routine pain screening: it 1) facilitates identification of patients with pain who might otherwise be overlooked, 2) may need to be targeted toward specific patients and contexts rather than universally applied, 3) often shifts visit focus away from more emergent concerns, 4) may encourage "false positives" and prompt providers to intervene when treatment is not a priority, and 5) engenders a "pain problem" and hinders patients from considering alternative strategies. These findings suggest changes to support patient-centered pain assessment and improve targeted screening and interventions for population pain management. PERSPECTIVE This article describes some of the potential unintended consequences of implementing routine pain screening in primary care. This information may help clinicians be more strategic in their consideration and use of pain screening among their patients.
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Screening using the fifth vital sign in the electronic medical recording system. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2017; 47:430-433. [PMID: 28201540 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyx020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the usefulness of screening for patient symptoms as the fifth vital sign using an electronic medical recording system. Patients and methods In the electronic medical recording system, all admitted patients received routine nurse-based assessment of discomfort (defined as any physical symptom) at every vital sign check regarding item 2 of the Support Team Assessment Schedule Japanese version (STAS-J). All cancer patients admitted to oncology units were screened at 1-week intervals. Screening-positive was defined when patients had a STAS-J score of 2 or more at least two times in a week. For all screening-positive patients, the palliative care team reviewed each patient's medical records, and provided written recommendations as needed. The primary outcomes were the proportion of screening-positive patient, and the proportion of patients deemed to need additional palliative treatment in the screening-positive patients. Results Of 2427 patients screened, 223 (9.1%; 95% confidence interval, 8-10%) met the screening-positive criterion. A total of 12 (5.4%; 95% confidence interval, 3-9%) of them were deemed to need additional palliative care, including six patients referred to the PCT within 1 week. In the remaining 211 screening-positive patients, 100 had received adequate palliative care, 68 had already been referred to the palliative care team and 43 had self-limiting transient discomfort. Conclusion This screening system was feasible but the majority of screening-positive patients did not require additional palliative care interventions.
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Improving pain care through implementation of the Stepped Care Model at a multisite community health center. J Pain Res 2016; 9:1021-1029. [PMID: 27881926 PMCID: PMC5115680 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s117885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Treating pain in primary care is challenging. Primary care providers (PCPs) receive limited training in pain care and express low confidence in their knowledge and ability to manage pain effectively. Models to improve pain outcomes have been developed, but not formally implemented in safety net practices where pain is particularly common. This study evaluated the impact of implementing the Stepped Care Model for Pain Management (SCM-PM) at a large, multisite Federally Qualified Health Center. METHODS The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework guided the implementation of the SCM-PM. The multicomponent intervention included: education on pain care, new protocols for pain assessment and management, implementation of an opioid management dashboard, telehealth consultations, and enhanced onsite specialty resources. Participants included 25 PCPs and their patients with chronic pain (3,357 preintervention and 4,385 postintervention) cared for at Community Health Center, Inc. Data were collected from the electronic health record and supplemented by chart reviews. Surveys were administered to PCPs to assess knowledge, attitudes, and confidence. RESULTS Providers' pain knowledge scores increased to an average of 11% from baseline; self-rated confidence in ability to manage pain also increased. Use of opioid treatment agreements and urine drug screens increased significantly by 27.3% and 22.6%, respectively. Significant improvements were also noted in documentation of pain, pain treatment, and pain follow-up. Referrals to behavioral health providers for patients with pain increased by 5.96% (P=0.009). There was no significant change in opioid prescribing. CONCLUSION Implementation of the SCM-PM resulted in clinically significant improvements in several quality of pain care outcomes. These findings, if sustained, may translate into improved patient outcomes.
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Answering the call to address chronic pain in military service members and veterans: Progress in improving pain care and restoring health. Nurs Outlook 2016; 64:459-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Psychometric Testing of the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS): A New Pain Scale for Military Population. PAIN MEDICINE 2016; 17:1505-19. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Stepped care model of pain management and quality of pain care in long-term opioid therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 53:137-46. [PMID: 27006068 DOI: 10.1682/jrrd.2014.10.0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Successful organizational improvement processes depend on application of reliable metrics to establish targets and to monitor progress. This study examined the utility of the Pain Care Quality (PCQ) extraction tool in evaluating implementation of the Stepped Care Model for Pain Management at one Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare system over 4 yr and in a non-VHA Federally qualified health center (FQHC) over 2 yr. Two hundred progress notes per year from VHA and 150 notes per year from FQHC primary care prescribers of long-term opioid therapy (>90 consecutive days) were randomly sampled. Each note was coded for the presence or absence of key dimensions of PCQ (i.e., pain assessment, treatment plans, pain reassessment/outcomes, patient education). General estimating equations controlling for provider and facility were used to examine changes in PCQ items over time. Improvements in the VHA were noted in pain reassessment and patient education, with trends in positive directions for all dimensions. Results suggest that the PCQ extraction tool is feasible and may be responsive to efforts to promote organizational improvements in pain care. Future research is indicated to improve the reliability of the PCQ extraction tool and enhance its usability.
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Using health information technology to improve adherence to opioid prescribing guidelines in primary care. Clin J Pain 2016; 31:573-9. [PMID: 25411860 PMCID: PMC4422375 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of a clinical dashboard for opioid analgesic management on opioid prescribing and adherence to opioid practice guidelines in primary care. Methods: A pre/postimplementation evaluation using electronic health record (EHR) data from patients receiving chronic opioid therapy (COT) between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2013. Measures include annual proportions of COT patients who received urine drug testing, signed an opioid treatment agreement, had a documented assessment of pain-related functional status, and had at least 1 visit with a behavioral health provider. Results: Adherence to several opioid prescribing guidelines improved in the postimplementation year compared with the preimplementation year: (1) the proportions of COT patients with a signed opioid treatment agreement and urine drug testing increased from 49% to 63% and 66% to 86%, respectively. The proportion of COT patients with a documented assessment of functional status increased from 33% to 46% and those with a behavioral health visit increased from 24% to 28%. However, there was a small decline in the proportion of patients prescribed COT from 3.4% to 3.1%. Discussion: Implementation of an opioid dashboard led to increased adherence to certain opioid practice guidelines and a decline in COT. This may be attributable to more efficient team-based pain management facilitated by the dashboard and increased transparency of opioid prescription practices. Health Information Technology solutions such as clinical dashboards can increase adherence to practice guidelines.
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Routine screening for pain combined with a pain treatment protocol in head and neck cancer: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Anaesth 2015; 115:621-8. [PMID: 26385671 DOI: 10.1093/bja/aev263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We compared the effectiveness and cost of a pain screening and treatment program, with usual care in head and neck cancer patients with significant pain. METHODS Patients were screened for the presence of pain and then randomly assigned to either an intervention group, consisting of a pain treatment protocol and an education program, or to usual care. Primary outcome was change in the Pain Severity Index (PSI) over three months. RESULTS We screened 1074 patients of whom 156 were randomized to either intervention or usual care. Mean PSI was reduced over three months in both groups, with no significant difference between the two groups. The Pain Management Index (PMI) at three months, was significantly improved in the intervention group compared with usual care (P<0.001), as was Patient Satisfaction (mean difference in scores was statistically significant: -0.30 [-0.60 to -0.15]). All subjects reported clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression throughout the study. Treatment costs were significantly higher for intervention (mean=£400) compared with usual care (£200), with a low likelihood of being cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS There was no difference in the Pain Severity Index between the two groups. However there were significant improvements in the intervention group in patient satisfaction and PMI. The pain screening process itself was effective. Sufficient benefit was demonstrated as a result of the intervention to allow continued development of pain treatment pathways, rather than allowing pain treatment to be left to nonformalised ad hoc arrangements.
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Towards a pain free hospital: an in-depth qualitative analysis of the pain experiences of head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Br J Pain 2015; 10:29-37. [PMID: 27551409 DOI: 10.1177/2049463715599995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for head and neck cancer can frequently be a painful experience with implications for patients in terms of quality of life, nutrition and ultimately treatment outcomes. Pain may arise for a number of reasons in this patient group including the influence of localised tissue damage from radiotherapy, the effects of chemotherapeutic agents as well as the disease process itself. Early identification of cancer pain, through screening and early analgesic and pain management are thought to be the most appropriate approaches to the problem. AIM To explore in-depth, patients' views of the experience of pain related to radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, within the context of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of pain screening and intervention. SAMPLE A purposive sample of head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy who were participating in a separate RCT of a proactive pain screening intervention. METHODS A qualitative design using one-off, face-to-face, in-depth interviews. Data were inductively analysed for themes using thematic analysis. Data were collected from September 2012 to January 2013. FINDINGS Eight participants were interviewed. Several issues around pain management arose and the influence of various factors became apparent. Four dominant themes emerged: facets of radiotherapy pain in head and neck cancer, facilitators and barriers to pain management, pain services and finally interdisciplinary working. CONCLUSION The specific issues faced by head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy highlight the need for pain relieving interventions delivered by pain specialists, in tandem with the development of robust self-management strategies. An integrated approach to care is optimal, comprising pain screening at each outpatient encounter, and review by specialists as necessary.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Despite pervasive and debilitating pain among elders, it is underassessed and undertreated; and cognitive impairment can add challenges. We assessed the quality of pain care for community-dwelling elderly patients with dementia. METHODS We phone interviewed 203 Veterans Affairs primary care outpatients with dementia and pain and reviewed medical records to score 15 quality indicators of pain assessment and management. RESULTS Pain assessment was documented for 98%, and a standard pain scale was used for 94%. Modified pain scales were rarely used. Though 70% self-reported pain of 'quite bad' or worse, charts documented no pain in 64%. When pain was identified, treatment was offered to 80%; but only 59% had a follow-up assessment within 6 months. Nonpharmacological interventions were underused. CONCLUSION Community-dwelling elders with dementia are underdiagnosed and undertreated for pain.
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Abstract
Management of chronic pain is a common and complex challenge in primary care. Patient-reported outcomes surveys can help assist the patient with chronic pain to communicate the symptoms to their provider and engage the patient in treatment planning and evaluation to improve both quality of care and patient outcomes. A web survey was used to assess clinic providers' perceived ease of use, barriers to use, and clinical benefits of a patient-reported outcomes survey, termed PainTracker. More than half the respondents were satisfied with PainTracker and 76% of respondents agreed that PainTracker helps patients participate in their pain management. Although only a first step, this study helps evaluate the benefits of involving patients in their pain management care.
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A postal screener for pain and need for treatment in older persons in primary care. J Am Geriatr Soc 2014; 62:1832-7. [PMID: 25284455 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.13064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test the Pain intensity, Enjoyment in life, General activity questionnaire (PEG) as a postal screener for pain in older persons. DESIGN Population-based survey. Postal screening questionnaires followed by an interview of a sample of participants. SETTING Family practices. PARTICIPANTS Persons aged 75 and older (N = 243; 95 interviewed). MEASUREMENTS Screening included the PEG, a three-item abbreviated version of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), plus an additional question on treatment need. Pain severity and related interference was assessed (BPI) during the interview, as was the current (need for) pain treatment. RESULTS The median PEG score of the 243 persons participating in the screening (response 76%) was 2.0 (interquartile range 0-4.7). Seventy-nine (35%) had moderate to severe pain (PEG score ≥ 4), of whom 56% reported current pain treatment and 15% stated that they might ask for help. For a PEG score cutoff of 4 or greater, sensitivity was 0.81 and specificity was 0.78 to find scores of 4 or greater on one or both BPI subscales during the interview. For the question on need for treatment, replies on the screener and the interview were not always consistent. Of the 43 interviewed participants with a PEG score of 4 or greater, 60% received treatment. Of the 17 without current pain treatment, 10 still reported pain, three of whom said that they might ask for help. CONCLUSION The PEG can be used as a postal screener to detect the presence of pain in older persons, but treatment needs cannot be established using the PEG alone or in combination with a simple additional question.
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The Impact of Assessment and Reassessment Documentation on the Trajectory of Postoperative Pain Severity: A Pilot Study. Pain Manag Nurs 2014; 15:652-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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PAIN OUT: The making of an international acute pain registry. Eur J Pain 2014; 19:490-502. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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How to parse the protective, the punitive and the prejudicial in chronic opioid therapy? Pain 2013; 154:5-6. [PMID: 23273100 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Preliminary validation of the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) in a military population. PAIN MEDICINE 2012; 14:110-23. [PMID: 23137169 DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Army Surgeon General released the Pain Management Task Force final report in May 2010. Among military providers, concerns were raised that the standard numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain was inconsistently administered and of questionable clinical value. In response, the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) was developed. METHODS The instrument design integrates pain rating scale features to improve interpretability of incremental pain intensity levels, and to improve communication and documentation across all transitions of care. A convenience sample of 350 inpatient and outpatient active duty or retired military service members participated in the study at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Participants completed the five-item DVPRS-one pain intensity NRS with and without word descriptors presented in random order and four supplemental items measuring general activity, sleep, mood, and level of stress and the Brief Pain Inventory seven interference items. Using systematic sampling, a random sample was selected for a word descriptor validation procedure matching word phases to corresponding pain intensity on the NRS. RESULTS Parallel forms reliability and concurrent validity testing demonstrated a robust correlation. When the DVPRS was presented with the word descriptors first, the correlation between the two ratings was slightly higher, r = 0.929 (N = 171; P < 0.001), than ordering first without the descriptors, r = 0.882 (N = 177; P < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.943 showing excellent alignment of word descriptors by respondents (N = 42), matching them correctly with pain level. CONCLUSIONS The DVPRS tool demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties in a military population.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study describes how pain practitioners can elicit the beliefs that are responsible for patients' judgments against considering a treatment change and activate collaborative decision making. METHODS Beliefs of 139 chronic pain patients who are in treatment but continue to experience significant pain were reduced to 7 items about the significance of pain on the patient's life. The items were aggregated into 4 decision models that predict which patients are actually considering a change in their current treatment. RESULTS While only 34% of study participants were considering a treatment change overall, the percentage ranged from 20 to 70, depending on their ratings about current consequences of pain, emotional influence, and long-term impact. Generalized linear model analysis confirmed that a simple additive model of these 3 beliefs is the best predictor. CONCLUSION Initial opposition to a treatment change is a conditional judgment and subject to change as specific beliefs become incompatible with patients' current conditions. These beliefs can be elicited through dialog by asking 3 questions.
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How much time do low-income patients and primary care physicians actually spend discussing pain? A direct observation study. J Gen Intern Med 2012; 27:787-93. [PMID: 22231657 PMCID: PMC3378744 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-011-1960-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We know little about how much time low-income patients and physicians spend discussing pain during primary care visits. OBJECTIVE To measure the frequency and duration of pain-related discussions at a primary care clinic serving mostly low-income black patients; to investigate variables associated with these discussions. DESIGN We measured the frequency and duration of pain-related discussions using video-recorded primary care visits; we used multiple regression to evaluate associations between discussions and patient self-report variables. PARTICIPANTS A total of 133 patients presenting to a primary care clinic for any reason; 17 family medicine residents. MAIN MEASURES Independent variables were pain severity, health status, physical function, chief complaint, and whether the patient and physician had met previously. Dependent variables were presence of pain-related discussions and percent of total visit time spent discussing pain. KEY RESULTS Sixty-nine percent of visits included pain-related discussions with a mean duration of 5.9 min (34% of total visit time). Increasing pain severity [OR 1.69, 95% CI (1.18, 2.41)] and pain-related chief complaints [OR 4.10, 95% CI (1.39, 12.12)] were positively associated with the probability of discussing pain. When patients discussed pain, they spent 4.5% more [95% CI (0.60, 8.37)] total visit time discussing pain for every one-point increase in pain severity. Better physical function was negatively associated with the probability of discussing pain [OR 0.65, 95% CI (0.48, 0.86)], but positively associated with the percent of total visit time spent discussing pain [3% increase; 95% CI (0.32, 5.75)] for every one-point increase in physical function). Patients and physicians who had met previously spent 11% less [95% CI (-21.65, -0.55)] total visit time discussing pain. Pain severity was positively associated with time spent discussing pain only when patients and physicians had not met previously. CONCLUSIONS Pain-related discussions comprise a substantial proportion of time during primary care visits. Future research should evaluate the relationship between time spent discussing pain and the quality of primary care pain management.
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Measuring pain impact versus pain severity using a numeric rating scale. J Gen Intern Med 2012; 27:555-60. [PMID: 22081365 PMCID: PMC3326111 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-011-1926-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Routine assessments of pain using an intensity numeric rating scale (NRS) have improved documentation, but have not improved clinical outcomes. This may be, in part, due to the failure of the NRS to adequately predict patients' preferences for additional treatment. OBJECTIVE To examine whether patients' illness perceptions have a stronger association with patient treatment preferences than the pain intensity NRS. DESIGN Single face-to-face interview. PARTICIPANTS Outpatients with chronic, noncancer, musculoskeletal pain. MAIN MEASURES Experience of pain was measured using 18 illness perception items. Factor analysis of these items found that five factors accounted for 67.1% of the variance; 38% of the variance was accounted for by a single factor labeled "pain impact." Generalized linear models were used to examine how NRS scores and physical function compare with pain impact in predicting preferences for highly effective/high-risk treatment. KEY RESULTS Two hundred forty-nine subjects agreed to participate. Neither NRS nor functioning predicted patient preference (NRS: χ2 = 1.92, df = 1, p = 0.16, physical functioning: χ2 = 2.48, df = 1, p = 0.11). In contrast, pain impact was significantly associated with the preference for a riskier/more effective treatment after adjusting for age, comorbidity, efficacy of current medications and numeracy (χ2 = 4.40, df = 1, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Tools that measure the impact of pain may be a more valuable screening instrument than the NRS. Further research is now needed to determine if measuring the impact of pain in clinical practice is more effective at triggering appropriate management than more restricted measures of pain such as the NRS.
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Abstract
PROBLEM Adequate pain control continues to be an enigma in the face of the Joint Commission (TJC) well-intended pain management standards. Notable in the pain standards is the mandate to make pain the fifth vital sign to increase pain visibility and awareness. METHOD The following databases were searched: EBSCOHost, CINHAL, PubMed Central, Medline, and government/societies sites for guidelines on pain control. Various search terms used included pain, post operative pain, pain control, pain as the 5th vital sign, pain documentation, pain assessment, Joint Commission Pain Standard, PRN effectiveness, and pay-for-performance. FINDINGS Accredited facilities are mandated to have plans to assess for pain and evaluate pain management effectiveness. These mandates have necessitated a flurry of initiatives and programs by hospitals and healthcare facilities focusing on documentation processes to meet TJC compliance. Notable programs include Pain as the 5th Vital Sign and PRN (as needed) effectiveness documentation. Many facilities have programs to assess and document pain but lack programs that effectively control patient's pain. CONCLUSION This article is a call for facilities to refocus on pain control. A need to evaluate current programs by facilities is evident. Studies show that Pain as the 5(th) Vital Sign and PRN effectiveness documentation are not effective and invariably have not met the goals of TJC pain standard--adequate and effective pain control.
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Abstract
Since its introduction in 1998, the VHA National Pain Management Strategy has introduced and implemented a series of plans for promoting systems improvements in pain care. We present the milestones of VHA efforts in pain management as reflected by the work of the Strategy. This includes the development of the Strategy and its current structure as well as a review of important initiatives such as "pain as the fifth vital sign" and the stepped care model of pain management.
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Prescription sharing, alcohol use, and street drug use to manage pain among veterans. J Pain Symptom Manage 2011; 41:848-58. [PMID: 21256706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Efforts to promote awareness and management of chronic pain have been accompanied by a troubling increase in prescription medication abuse. At the same time, some patients may misuse substances in an effort to manage chronic pain. OBJECTIVES This study examines self-reported substance misuse for pain management among veterans and identifies the contributing factors. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Help Veterans Experience Less Pain study. RESULTS Of 343 veterans, 35.3% reported an aberrant pain management behavior (24% reported using alcohol, 11.7% reported using street drugs, and 16.3% reported sharing prescriptions to manage pain). Poorer mental health, younger age, substance use disorders (SUDs), number of nonpain symptoms, and greater pain severity and interference were associated with aberrant pain management behaviors. In multivariate analysis, SUDs (odds ratio [OR]: 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3-6.7, P<0.000) and poorer mental health (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3-4.3, P=0.006) were associated with using alcohol or street drugs to manage pain; SUDs (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3-4.4, P=0.006) and pain interference (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.2, P=0.047) were associated with prescription sharing; and SUDs (OR: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.2-6.1, P<0.000) and number of nonpain symptoms (OR: 6.5, 95% CI: 1.2-35.4, P=0.031) were associated with any aberrant pain management behavior. CONCLUSION Veterans with a history of SUDs, greater pain interference, more nonpain symptoms, and mental health concerns should be carefully managed to deter substance misuse for pain management.
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