Simple clinical targets associated with a high level of patient satisfaction with their pain management

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine factors that are significantly associated with a high level of patient satisfaction with their pain management. METHODS: We undertook an observational study in a large metropolitan ED. Adult patients with a triage pain score of ≥4 (0-10 scale) were enrolled. Data collected included demographics, presenting complaint, pain scores every 30 min, whether nurse-initiated analgesia was administered, the nature of the pain relief administered, time to first dose of analgesia, elements of staff communication and whether 'adequate analgesia' was provided (defined as a decrease in pain score to <4 and a decrease from the triage pain score of ≥2). The primary end-point, determined at follow up within 48 h, was the level of satisfaction with pain management (6-point scale: very unsatisfied-very satisfied). RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-seven (82.7%) of 202 enrolled patients were followed up - mean (SD) age 46.4 (18.3) years, 75 (44.9%) men. Eighty-one (48.5%) patients were very satisfied with their pain management. Only two clinical variables were significantly associated with a high level of satisfaction: receipt of 'adequate analgesia' (as defined) and specific communication regarding pain management. Forty-four (58.7%) versus 37 (40.2%) patients who did/did not receive 'adequate analgesia', respectively, were very satisfied (difference 18.5%, 95% CI 2.3-34.7, P= 0.027). Seventy-seven (53.9%) and four (16.7%) patients who were/were not advised by ED staff that their pain management was important, respectively, were very satisfied (difference 37.2%, 95% CI 17.7-56.6, P= 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our 'adequate analgesia' definition might provide a useful clinical target, which, combined with adequate communication, might help maximize patient satisfaction.