System Streamlines Pain Management Resources
To comply with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Marshfield Clinic Health System's Interdisciplinary Pain Committee provided a reference tool for providers and nursing staff.
The health system compiled a pocket reference guide, a resource to help with evidence-based pain management decision making to address TJC’s standards to “provide staff and licensed independent practitioners with educational resources and programs to improve pain assessment, pain management and the safe use of opioid medications based on the identified needs of its patient population."
Also, the psychosocial support team and patient social and emotional care team identified coping skills as a community need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the last two years, the pain committee created and updated pain management tools for Marshfield Medical Center patients and staff. To help standardize system practices, this initiative streamlined internal and external tools placed in the health system’s Pain Management Library Guide and Patient Education catalog.
Having a comprehensive program, standardized education, incorporated best practice guidelines and oversight for care provided to patients with pain ensured they received the best care possible.
Chronic pain requires a multidisciplinary, coordinated approach based on the biopsychosocial model which evaluates physical aspects of pain and incorporates the mind-body relationship to the pain experience. At times, psychological and social factors may contribute to ineffective coping, which contributes to pain intensity. The
Wheel of Health model is a tool to help promote self-management strategies that may help control pain.