Pijnregistratie en pijnbehandeling in verpleeghuizen kunnen nog beter.

AIM. To assess the effect of implementation of pain registration in nursing homes on the residents’ pain (treatment); a secondary aim was measuring nursing compliance. METHODS. Prior to implementation of pain registration, all relevant aspects of pain (treatment) were recorded through interviews with the residents (pretest). Interviews were repeated after at least three months following implementation of pain registration (posttest). RESULTS. Three fourths of all residents were able to give information about their pain and two thirds could provide a numerical rating. On average, 69% of all residents with recorded pain history experienced pain in the pretest. Pain registration resulted in a significant decrease in the proportion of residents suffering from substantial pain during the previous week. CONCLUSION. Pain registration is feasible in the majority of elderly living in nursing homes and may improve pain treatment and satisfaction with caretakers.