CHAPTER 7: PAIN ASSESSMENT AT TRIAGE
CHAPTER 7: PAIN ASSESSMENT AT TRIAGE
Statement of purpose
The purposes of this chapter are to:
• Provide a description of the physiological and behavioural indicators related to pain and pain assessment at triage; and
• Identify the importance of providing early assessment of pain.
Learning outcomes
After completing this chapter, participants will be able to describe the assessment and measurement of pain, and to discuss how this informs triage decision-making.
Learning objectives
• Describe the factors influencing the perception and expression of pain.
• Analyse the application of commonly used and validated pain assessment strategies in a triage setting.
• Correlate possible pain assessment findings to the physiological discriminators used to guide triage acuity classification.
• Construct and evaluate strategies to improve pain assessment and pain management from a triage perspective.
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Key points
• Humane practice mandates the prompt assessment and relief of pain.
• Pain is the reason most people present to the ED.
• Pain is as severe as the patient reports.
• Severity of pain influences triage category.
Department of Health and Ageing – Emergency Triage Education Kit