Pain management in the emergency department: results from an observational longitudinal prospective study in a second-level urban hospital

Abstract

Although a correct assessment of pain and an adequate analgesia represent a priority in the setting of emergency care, many studies documented an inadequate pain control. The purpose of our study is to characterize the present status of a second level Emergency Department in Italy in terms of pain assessment and treatment. Our survey investigates the multidimensional aspects of pain, the accomplishment of appropriate pain evaluation by the medical and nursing staff and the effectiveness of the treatment, in terms of pain reduction and also of customer satisfaction.