The Importance Of Pain Management Compliance

Pain Management is an inevitable aspect of health care as most ailments come with some degree of pain. In cases where the pain is intolerable, physicians tend to prescribe narcotics like morphine to reduce the patient’s agony. While these medications are very helpful in alleviating pain, unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly common to see people, especially the younger lot, getting addicted to them and using them inappropriately even post-recovery.

Pain medication overdose has shockingly overtaken motor vehicle accidents when it comes to the number of lives it has claimed. It is, therefore, clear why there has been such a great emphasis on laying down laws and regulations that control pain management protocols and prevent the misuse of prescription narcotics. For a healthcare facility, it is vital to establish checks and balances within routine processes to ascertain pain management compliance. Some examples of such measures are as follows:

Documenting Pain Management Interventions

Including details of all pain medications prescribed to patients in their medical records is an excellent way to avoid potential abuse. It is also essential to record the subjective and objective assessments of the pain levels experienced so that there is sufficient data to back the choice of clinical intervention.

Utilizing Assessment Techniques To Gauge Pain Levels

Many healthcare entities use pain charts that help nurses determine the level of pain. Such an evaluation can act as a good starting point for deciding the pain management drugs and their dosage.

Scheduling Annual Pain Screenings

Patients who require pain medication for a prolonged period should attend annual screenings. Physicians can, at this time, reconsider their pain levels and adjust the pain medication prescriptions accordingly. Per the law in the State of Florida, patients receiving narcotics should be checked on a quarterly basis.

Getting Pain Contracts Signed By Patients

Asking those on prescription narcotics to sign an agreement that clearly states the reasons for such prescriptions and the circumstances that could lead to their discontinuation is an excellent practice. Such a measure helps improve adherence and reduce risk especially in the case of patients who are more vulnerable to substance abuse.

Ensuring Accuracy Of Paperwork

It is vital to make sure that patients who are being prescribed opioids for managing pain have truthfully completed the mandatory paperwork. This includes demographics like their name and address, all of which needs to be legible. Submission of valid identification documentation is also equally critical. These pieces of patient information are compulsory as part of the patient record.

Communicating Regularly With All Specialists Involved

A patient might be consulting several physicians at a time. It is, therefore, essential for all these physicians to be on the same page as far as diagnosis and prescriptions are concerned. An integrated approach will help avoid duplicate prescriptions.

Storing Prescription Pads Safely

Locking up prescription pads and keeping an account of them is a good practice that can help avert theft and forgery. It is also critical to make sure that the paper used in these pads is non-photocopiable.

Educating Patients About The Risk Of Narcotics Abuse

Inform patients about the harmful effects of drug abuse to discourage them from misusing their prescriptions. Such an initiative can help achieve compliance in the area of pain management.

Pain Management Compliance is an aspect that no healthcare facility can afford to ignore. To avoid civil and criminal investigations that may lead to exorbitant fines and even a sealed practice, understanding and conforming to the legal guidelines that regulate clinical pain management protocols is crucial.