Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
were all linked to the individual’s unique perception and tolerance of
pain and the fact that anxiety and uncertainty of events increase
pain perception. In addition because of this individuality of
perception, the patient is best qualified to assess his/her own pain
level as nurses frequently underestimate the severity of patients
pain and cannot gauge levels of pain from their knowledge of
related surgery.
Summary of key findings
Nurses require ongoing support and education to facilitate accurate
assessment and management of pain for patients/clients.
It is vital for nurses to communicate timely details of
patients/clients pain assessment. Surgery does not necessarily
mean that pain is inevitable.
Conclusions
All the nurses in this study thought assessment of pain was
important and their comments have increased the scope for further
research at this hospital. They also stated that there is a need for a
clear and simple way to assess patient’s pain, the need for
analgesia, and the effectiveness of analgesia. Many felt that pain
assessment tools need to be easy for patients to use and
understand.
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