Despite advances in the treatment of pain, studies reveal that hospitalized patients continue to suffer under-recognised and unrelieved pain. Several factors contribute to this problem including health-care professionals' lack of knowledge about pain and analgesia, the inadequate use of pain assessment techniques and incomplete charting of patients' reports of pain. This article describes these challenges which must be overcome if the situation is to improve. It outlines the potential value of systematic assessment and documentation of pain so that the patient's pain is acknowledged as a unique experience. This should enable the health professional to individualize his/her approach to pain management.

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