Learning Objective #1: Describe an evidence-based practice approach to pain management to improve outcomes

Learning Objective #2: Examine research findings for translation to practice to improve nursing interventions for pain management

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Purpose: Pain management continues to baffle experts. One of the oldest clinical problems, management of pain is in the domain of nursing. New evidence about effectiveness of new approaches to pain management offers acute care units a model for changing pain intervention. Attitudes of providers and patients reveal continuing misinformation about pain management in spite of significant research. Culturally sensitive care is paramount in changing demographics in health care to alleviate disparities across cultures and with vulnerable populations. Method: A series of studies in two USA locations, Mexico, and Puerto Rico indicates patients have strong notions of pain management that differ from those of providers. Application of a set of instruments developed by the researchers can uncover hidden barriers to effective pain management to implement evidence based practic. Data from the Houston Pain Outcome Instrument, Pain Management Index, and the Patient Satisfaction with Symptom Management instrument use quantitative and qualitative data to help the health care team prepare personalized pain care that accounts for cultural views, myths, and responses for both providers and patients. Tools have been established as reliable to >.75 on each subscale. Findings: The complexities of pain management constitute more than a physiological response, incorporating cultural beliefs described in Bates' Biocultural Model of Pain. The presentation will describe an approach developed for acute care units to apply the instruments for unit analysis to examine issues preventing pain scores consistent with accrediting agencies and standards. The plan utilizes data from unit analysis, patient and staff education about new knowledge about pain management, and a monthly unit report card on effectiveness. Interdisciplinary participation is key to effective evidence based pain management and these tools provide a platform for all providers to join in solving this age old problem. Studies funded by NINR, Sigma Theta Tau, and internal grants.