Nurses' Role in Pain Assessment and Management of Older Adults

This report examines the barriers and facilitators nurses encounter when assessing and managing pain in older hospitalized individuals. The research question focuses on identifying these challenges and opportunities to improve pain care. The report analyzes four primary research articles. Gorawara-Bhat et al. (2017) identify nurses' perceptions of pain management in the Emergency Department, highlighting challenges and strategies. Fry et al. (2016) focus on pain assessment in older individuals with cognitive impairment. Manias (2012) explores the complexities of pain management in geriatric units, and Brorson et al. (2014) discuss nurses' experiences with end-of-life pain relief in patients with dementia. The studies reveal themes related to patient-related and system-related challenges, the importance of communication, and the impact of the timing of care. The report emphasizes the need for improved pain assessment tools, communication strategies, and tailored approaches to address the unique needs of older patients, particularly those with cognitive impairments or at the end of life. The overall goal is to enhance the quality of pain management and patient care within the acute care setting.