Date of Graduation
Winter 12-16-2016
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
First Advisor
Danijela Pavlic
Abstract
Abstract
Pain has been identified as the main reason why patients go to the hospital and are hospitalized. Pain reassessment following administration of pain medication is vital to pain management. This project was conducted in a 24-bed stand-alone inpatient psychiatric facility in an urban area. It was found that pain reassessment in this facility was not consistent with the facility policy and the Joint Commission standard. The patient population in the facility is made up of adults of 18 years and above, with mental health diagnosis such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, et cetera. Some of the patients also presents with dual diagnosis, that is a mental illness with substance use. There are other patients who have Axis III diagnosis (general medical conditions). The staff involved in the project included nurses and Psychiatric Technicians commonly referred to as psych techs.
The objectives of this project are to increase staff awareness and knowledge in pain reassessment, and to improve pain reassessment within one hour following the administration of pain medication by 30%. The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role in this project was educator, team manager, and patient advocate. The methods used in the project include a microsystem assessment, a SWOT analysis, and root cause analysis to understand why pain reassessment is not done consistently.
During the implementation phase of the project, the CNL embarked on providing in-service education to Nurses and Psych Techs, utilizing visual aids like brochures and posters. The CNL also worked work together with the Information Technology department and came up with a way of alerting staff when pain reassessment is due.
At the end of the project, reassessment rate was increased from 67% before the start of the project to 79%. It is recommended that staff in-service continues until the goal of the project is reached, that is at 97%.
Recommended Citation
Baffoe-Twum, Linda N., "Improving Pain Reassessment within One Hour Following the Administration of Pain Medication" (2016). Master's Projects and Capstones. 443.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/443
brochure used for teaching
Comments
Acknowledgement
First goes to Nahid Shavakhi, my preceptor and Director of Nursing
Second goes to Farzaneh Raoufi, my ANM, preceptor and mentor.
Finally to my lovely husband Maxwell, and our 2 daughters Ally and KK, you three are my inspiration.