Pain management in Australian emergency departments: A critical appraisal of evidence based practice

Abstract

This paper is a critical appraisal of evidence based practice in pain management in Australian emergency departments. Pain is the major cause of emergency department attendances yet inadequate pain management is widespread.

Pain management involves assessment, documentation, treatment, and evaluation. Oligoanalgesia is particularly evident in children, the elderly, ethnic patients and patients experiencing severe pain.

Evidence based practice relies upon systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines yet both are limited in relation to specific emergency department modalities. Further work is required to assess the varied aspects of Australian emergency department pain management practices. Widespread dissemination of the findings is essential to improve the uptake of evidence based practice.