Patients' perspectives on pain.

Nociceptive and neuropathic pain (NP) are common consequences following spinal cord injury (SCI), with large impact on sleep, mood, work, and quality of life. NP affects 40% to 50% of individuals with SCI and is sometimes considered the major problem following SCI. Current treatment recommendations for SCI-NP primarily focus on pharmacological strategies suggesting the use of anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs, followed by tramadol and opioid medications. Unfortunately, these are only partly successful in relieving pain. Qualitative studies report that individuals with SCI-related long-lasting pain seek alternatives to medication due to the limited efficacy, unwanted side effects, and perceived risk of dependency. They spend time and money searching for additional treatments. Many have learned coping strategies on their own, including various forms of warmth, relaxation, massage, stretching, distraction, and physical activity. Studies indicate that many individuals with SCI are dissatisfied with their pain management and with the information given to them about their pain, and they want to know more about causes and strategies to manage pain. They express a desire to improve communication with their physicians and learn about reliable alternative sources for obtaining information about their pain and pain management. The discrepancy between treatment algorithms and patient expectations is significant. Clinicians will benefit from hearing the patient´s voice.

One-on-one coaching to improve pain assessment and management practices of pediatric nurses.

Pain in children is infrequently assessed and managed by nurses. One-on-one coaching based on audit with feedback and the use of opinion leaders have been effective in changing professional health care practices. Coaching by an opinion leader for changing pediatric nurses' pain practices was tested in a clustered randomized trial in six Canadian pediatric hospitals. The rate of pain assessments, nurses' knowledge, and nonpharmacological interventions increased in the coaching group. However, there were significant site differences that could not be attributed to the coaching but to factors inherent in the sites. The context in which interventions are implemented will influence the effectiveness of individualized interventions.