Pain Mgmt in PICU

[LoriA]

Hi to All-

Are there any PICU's out there who have specific pain mgmt criteria (ie order sets) based on pain scales (FLACC, MAAS, Numeric)? We use these scales but are trying to come up with a way to be more consistent in our approach to improve patient care and outcome. There are so many variables associated with pain mgmt and they become even more difficult to assess in the pediatric population. If you have something that would help give us a starting point, I really would like to see it. Let me know and I will give you the fax info.

Thanks Lori A:balloons:

[PICUNurse Deb]

Hi to All-

Are there any PICU's out there who have specific pain mgmt criteria (ie order sets) based on pain scales (FLACC, MAAS, Numeric)? We use these scales but are trying to come up with a way to be more consistent in our approach to improve patient care and outcome. There are so many variables associated with pain mgmt and they become even more difficult to assess in the pediatric population. If you have something that would help give us a starting point, I really would like to see it. Let me know and I will give you the fax info.

Thanks Lori A:balloons:

We are currently doing an evidence-based practice study in our PICU with the FLACC scale. Our documentation is less than ideal, and we currently use the CRIES, PEPPS, and Wong-Baker FACES, as well as Numeric Rating Scale. Too many scales, and inappropriate for our population! We are replacing the first 3 scales with the FLACC for patients ages 0-7, intubated, developmentally delayed or cognitively impaired. My lit search turned up many studies to support our hypothesis that paring down & using an appropriate scale will increase our compliance, and ultimately improve pain management. I can let you know how we progress.

Deb