Time to Rewrite Assessment and Documentation of Acute Pain in the Emergency Setting

Abstract

Acutely painful conditions are under evaluated and under treated in the ED, suggesting that ED staff need more education and training about the management of acute pain. One important step in relieving pain is to assess its presence and degree. The effective management of acute pain in the ED requires appropriate assessment of the pain based on the patient’s perception of pain using a validated pain scale. Additionally, reassessment of pain is essential to determine the effect of treatment.