The use and outcomes of non-pharmacological analgesia in the adult emergency department

Abstract

Background: The treatment of pain in the emergency department (ED) has historically relied on pharmacological analgesia. However, little is known about the concurrent use of non-pharmacological analgesia. Aims/Objectives: This research explores the self-reported use and outcomes of non-pharmacological analgesia in adult ED patients with moderate to severe pain. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in an adult ED of self-reported use of non-pharmacological pain management via a patient-reported outcome measure. The results are presented with descriptive statistics and multivariable modelling. Results: 45.8% (n=296) of all respondents used non-pharmacological interventions. The most used non-pharmacological interventions are hot packs (34.9%, n=103), distraction (22.3%, n=66), and cold packs (12.9%, n=38). In multivariate modelling, females, patients who did not receive pre-hospital analgesia, and daily average access block time all affected the use of non-pharmacological analgesia. Within a multivariable model, non-pharmacological analgesia increased the amount of pain relief achieved. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological analgesia use is affected by gender, treatment before the ED and ED workload. Nevertheless, clear benefits to the use of non-pharmacological analgesia were seen. Further work must be undertaken to encourage providers' use of this modality and capture any additional benefits to the patient.