Poorly managed patient pain has adverse physiological and psychological implications. On a physical level, prolonged, unrelieved pain suppresses the immune system increasing the likelihood of postsurgical infection and poor wound healing. Post-surgical pain reduces patient mobility, increasing the likelihood of complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, and pneumonia, and impairment of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal systems.
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Inadequately managed pain also affects the psychological state of the patient and family members, with patients reporting increased feelings of anxiety, depression, anger and sleeplessness. Effective pain management continues to evolve but is largely reliant upon an accurate assessment of patient needs. Studies also show an increase in patient satisfaction when patients are actively involved in their treatment.
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Benefits of timely and appropriate pain management include improved quality of life, decreased length of hospital stays, lower readmission rates and better overall patient outcomes.
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