The American Nurses Association (ANA) asserts that nurses have an ethical responsibility to alleviate pain and suffering, which is reshaping pain management techniques in nursing practice. This has led to a development of new strategies, technology and methods in pain management. The evolution in pain management reflects a commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the quality of care for patients with chronic pain conditions through innovative practices.
Nursing Role in Pain Management
The Open Pain Journal highlights the role that nurses play in pain management. By incorporating diverse pain management strategies into their practice, nurses can lead the way in implementing innovative and effective pain management strategies. They must be knowledgeable and free from misconceptions or biases to ensure effective pain relief strategies. By staying informed about the latest techniques and advocating for their patients, nurses can help provide guidance and empower patients to confidently manage their pain. These strategies can reduce dependency on opioids and improve overall patient well-being.
The William Paterson University (WP) online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides students with advanced strategies that enhance patient outcomes. Through coursework and practical applications, graduates gain the insights necessary to treat the whole patient, not just their symptoms.
Lessons From Mercy Hospital Oncology Med-surg Unit Nurses
Narcotics are not always the best option for pain management. Some patients are fearful of unpleasant side effects such as dependency and the nausea that narcotic use can cause. The nurses at Mercy Hospital’s oncology med-surg unit sought out pain management alternatives that were narcotic-free. They found music and coloring activities to be successful strategies. Aromatherapy and healing touch are also beneficial. These solutions support the health of the mind, body and spirit and reduce the risk of addiction.
Innovative Pain Management Approaches
Healthcare is always evolving, and how we treat and manage pain is no different. Pain management requires providers to move past traditional measures and employ holistic and integrative strategies to minimize the risks associated with long-term narcotic use. Momentum Medical highlights some of the latest pain management techniques that are proving to be reliable and innovative. These include:
- Virtual reality (VR): VR immerses the patient into a virtual environment conducive to their condition or preference.
- Mind-body techniques: Meditation, yoga, tai chi and biofeedback promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Acupuncture and other alternatives: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that uses thin needles in the skin at target points to reduce various types of pain, including musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain. Other therapies include hydrotherapy, which uses submersion in cold or hot water to soothe joints and muscles, and chiropractic care, which focuses on the skeletomuscular system.
- Development of new medications and delivery systems: New developments help nurses better target the underlying cause of pain, improve pain management efficacy and tailor pain management unique to the individual.
There are also technological advancements and interventions in pain management that offer significant benefits, according to The Open Pain Journal. In addition to VR, the following examples have successful applications in pain management:
- Electronic pain assessment tools: consider the type, intensity and site of pain
- Smartphone apps: used for pain evaluation, monitoring and documentation
- Wearable technology: devices that monitor physical activity, heart rate and temperature and record physiological and behavioral data related to pain, helping manage chronic pain by providing real-time feedback
- Telehealth and telemedicine: used to monitor pain management and facilitate pain assessments remotely
Behavioral Chronic Pain Treatment
Behavioral chronic pain treatment (BCPT) is a non-pharmacological approach to pain management that focuses on modifying the behaviors, thoughts and emotions associated with chronic pain. Behavioral treatments address the psychological and behavioral aspects that influence pain perception and management. Despite behavioral chronic pain treatment having significant success in managing chronic pain, there are several challenges to implementing behavioral chronic pain treatment.
Barriers to BCPT include patient disinterest, stigma, a lack of training for healthcare providers, limited access to mental health professionals, cost of treatment and insurance coverage issues. Despite the challenges in implementation, these techniques can significantly improve patients’ quality of life and be effective pain management alternatives. Overcoming these challenges requires an effort to incorporate behavioral health into primary care settings and educate patients and providers about the benefits of these approaches.
The Online RN to BSN Program From William Paterson University
WP’s online RN to BSN program utilizes courses like Nursing Practice for RN-BSN and The Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse to equip nurses with the knowledge to explore and implement new pain management methods. These courses emphasize the importance of alternative approaches to address different pain pathways. This holistic approach considers pain’s physical, emotional and psychological aspects of pain, providing comprehensive care that improves patient quality of life.
Learn more about William Paterson University’s online RN to BSN program.
