Implementing an Evidence-Based Tool for Assessing Pain in Non-Communicative Palliative Care Patients: Challenges And Solutions (S752)

Abstract

Original Research Background. Fatigue, along with other symptoms, affects quality of life (QOL) in advanced cancer patients. The relative importance of it is not known in the Indian population. Research Objectives. 1. To determine the correlation of factors associated with severity of fatigue in advanced cancer patients. 2. To determine whether the severity of fatigue has any impact on the qualityof-life domain. 3. To determine predictors of improvement in fatigue at first follow-up visit.

Pain Assessment in Noncommunicative Adult Palliative Care Patients

“…Further exploratory work on this dimension in the acute care setting is underway 61 . The MOPAT has been incorporated into several electronic health record systems and is currently used as the standard of care pain assessment tool for non-communicative palliative care patients in a hospice and an acute care hospital 57,60,62 . Because the MOPAT was not tested in patients with dementia, it is not recommended for use in that group.…”

“…Helpful strategies for this process include engaging appropriate committees, enlisting unit-based nurse champions, developing streamlined educational programs that are incorporated into institutional training systems, and mandating the training with clear deadlines for completion 62 . For behavioral based tools, demonstration, practice sessions and an assessment of competency are imperative upon initiation, when training new staff, and as intermittent refreshers to ensure appropriate and consistent use over time by numerous professional caregivers.…”

“…For behavioral based tools, demonstration, practice sessions and an assessment of competency are imperative upon initiation, when training new staff, and as intermittent refreshers to ensure appropriate and consistent use over time by numerous professional caregivers. Bedside tools such as posters, pocket cards, and tip sheets reinforce training and facilitate implementation 62,69 . Periodic retraining may be needed for nurses who use the tool infrequently.…”

“…Incorporating the tool into the institution’s documentation system (e.g., electronic health record), and monitoring use and outcomes via a quality improvement process or research study is essential for successful implementation of the tool 34,62 . Because clinical implementation involves the use of a tool in real patients, it is important to establish specific targets and methods to achieve them.…”

“…Because clinical implementation involves the use of a tool in real patients, it is important to establish specific targets and methods to achieve them. Tracking nurses’ use and documentation of the tool via audits and providing data-based feedback at the unit and user level are some ways to assess uptake and adherence 6,34,35,41,62,69 .…”