Methods of Pain and Discomfort Management
1.1
Holistic care takes into account the whole person not just the physical needs, for example - pain, but also their social, spiritual, mental and emotional needs, for example, being afraid, not knowing what’s wrong. This is important because the purpose is to ensure the service user is comfortable while being treated with dignity and respect as well as supporting the service user’s family.
1.2
There are different approaches to alleviate pain and minimise discomfort which can include medication, physical methods, self-help methods or alternative methods. Medication can be used for pain relief, these can include
Analgesics such as aspirin
Paracetamol
Opiates such as codeine
Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen
Anaesthetic blocks such as an epidural
Medication on prescription for pain relief are likely to be analgesics. In some extreme cases of severe or prolonged pain an individual may be given opiates.
Physical methods to relieve pain may include
Massage (superficial or pressure)
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens)
Repositioning
Self-help methods can help relieve pain and have been found to be effective this can include
Moving or walking (if possible)
Having a warm bath
Using a hot water bottle
Partaking in activities to take their mind off the pain
Doing recommended exercises.
Alternative therapies can often help relieve pain which can include
Aromatherapy
Reflexology
Acupuncture
Yoga
Meditation
1.3
The service user’s care plan should contain information about the best way to manage their pain to enable them to rest and sleep. The care plan should be checked before you start to work with the service user you are supporting ensuring you act within company policies and procedures. It is important that you enter any new information into the care plan so that your colleagues can take appropriate action. It is of upmost importance that you take the necessary steps to keep information confidential in line
Holistic care takes into account the whole person not just the physical needs, for example - pain, but also their social, spiritual, mental and emotional needs, for example, being afraid, not knowing what’s wrong. This is important because the purpose is to ensure the service user is comfortable while being treated with dignity and respect as well as supporting the service user’s family.
1.2
There are different approaches to alleviate pain and minimise discomfort which can include medication, physical methods, self-help methods or alternative methods. Medication can be used for pain relief, these can include
Analgesics such as aspirin
Paracetamol
Opiates such as codeine
Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen
Anaesthetic blocks such as an epidural
Medication on prescription for pain relief are likely to be analgesics. In some extreme cases of severe or prolonged pain an individual may be given opiates.
Physical methods to relieve pain may include
Massage (superficial or pressure)
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens)
Repositioning
Self-help methods can help relieve pain and have been found to be effective this can include
Moving or walking (if possible)
Having a warm bath
Using a hot water bottle
Partaking in activities to take their mind off the pain
Doing recommended exercises.
Alternative therapies can often help relieve pain which can include
Aromatherapy
Reflexology
Acupuncture
Yoga
Meditation
1.3
The service user’s care plan should contain information about the best way to manage their pain to enable them to rest and sleep. The care plan should be checked before you start to work with the service user you are supporting ensuring you act within company policies and procedures. It is important that you enter any new information into the care plan so that your colleagues can take appropriate action. It is of upmost importance that you take the necessary steps to keep information confidential in line