Challenges in Acute Pain Management

Challenges in Acute Pain Management: "Publication year: 2011
Source: Anesthesiology Clinics, Volume 29, Issue 2, June 2011, Pages 291-309
Kishor, Gandhi , James W., Heitz , Eugene R., Viscusi
The management of acute pain remains challenging, with many patients suffering inadequate pain control following surgery. Certain populations are at unique risk for unrelieved pain. Evidence-based approaches taking into account patients' specific needs and problems will likely substantially improve their perioperative experience. These patients must be identified in the preoperative process, and an anesthetic/analgesic plan discussed and formulated. A targeted multimodal approach to pain management should be considered the best clinical practice. The most challenging patients may benefit most from the surveillance of an acute pain service that is able to monitor and coordinate care into the postoperative period.