The hospital assesses and manages the patient’s pain and minimizes the risks associated with...

(1)

The hospital has defined criteria to screen, assess, and reassess pain that are consistent with the patient’s age, condition, and ability to understand.

(2)

The hospital screens patients for pain during emergency department visits and at the time of admission.

(3)

The hospital treats the patient’s pain or refers the patient for treatment. Note: Treatment strategies for pain may include nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic, or a combination of approaches.

(4)

The hospital develops a pain treatment plan based on evidence-based practices and the patient’s clinical condition, past medical history, and pain management goals.

(5)

The hospital involves the patient in the pain management treatment planning process through the following: - Developing realistic expectations and measurable goals that the patient understands for the degree, duration, and reduction of pain - Discussing the objectives used to evaluate treatment progress (for example, relief of pain, improved physical and psychosocial function) - Providing education on pain management, treatment options, and safe use of opioid and nonopioid medications when prescribed

(6)

The hospital monitors patients identified as being high risk for adverse outcomes related to opioid treatment.

(7)

The hospital reassesses and responds to the patient’s pain through the following: - Evaluation and documentation of response(s) to pain intervention(s) - Progress toward pain management goals, including functional ability (for example, ability to take a deep breath, turn in bed, walk with improved pain control) - Side effects of treatment - Risk factors for adverse events caused by the treatment

(8)

The hospital educates the patient and family on discharge plans related to pain management, including the following: - Pain management plan of care - Side effects of pain management treatment - Daily living activities, including the home environment, that might exacerbate pain or reduce effectiveness of the pain management plan of care and strategies to address these issues - Safe use, storage, and disposal of opioids when prescribed