Outcome 1 Understand approaches to managing pain and discomfort
1.1 Holistic care takes care of the whole person not just the physical needs (eg. Pain) but it also their mental and emotional needs (eg. Being afraid, not knowing what’s wrong), their social needs and their spiritual needs. This is important because the purpose is to ensure the individual is comfortable and brings peace and dignity as well as supports the individual’s family.
1.2 There are different approaches to alleviate pain and minimise discomfort which can include drugs, physical methods, self-help methods or alternative methods. Drugs can be used for pain relief, these can include analgesics such as asprin, paracetamol, opiates such as morphine, anti-infammatories such as ibuprofen, anaesthetic blocks such as an epidural. Drugs that are supplied on a 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 about (if possible), having a warm bath, doing something to take their mind off the pain, doing recommended exercises. Alternative therapies can often help relieve pain. Alternative therapies can include using aromatherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, yoga and meditation.
1.3 The individuals care plan should have information about the best way to manage their pain also to enable them to rest and sleep. The care plan should always be checked before you start to work with the individual who you are supporting and making comfortable. It is important that you enter any new information into the care plan so that your colleagues can take appropriate action. It is important that you take the necessary