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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Pain Assessment and Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively assesses, manages, and alleviates pain for service users, promoting comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Proper pain management is a fundamental aspect of person-centred care, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses, post-operative conditions, or palliative care needs.

This policy ensures that:

• Pain is identified and assessed accurately using validated tools.
• A multidisciplinary approach is taken to manage pain effectively.
• Service users receive timely interventions to relieve pain and improve well-being.
• Staff are trained and competent in recognising and responding to pain.
• Pain management practices comply with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations and best practice guidelines.

This policy aligns with:

• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.
• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, ensuring a person-centred approach to care.
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring informed decision-making in pain management.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines on Pain Management.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, ensuring staff safety in administering care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees of {{org_field_name}}, including care staff, supervisors, and managers.
• All service users receiving domiciliary care, particularly those with acute or chronic pain conditions.
• Healthcare professionals, including GPs, pharmacists, and specialist pain management teams, involved in care planning.

This policy covers:

• Pain assessment tools and procedures.
• Pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief methods.
• Staff training and competency in pain management.
• Monitoring, reviewing, and escalating pain-related concerns.

3. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, and effective pain management for all service users. Our approach focuses on:

• Early identification and accurate assessment of pain.
• Use of evidence-based pain management strategies.
• Ensuring service users’ preferences and consent are respected.
• Collaboration with healthcare professionals to optimise pain relief.
• Providing ongoing staff training and support in pain recognition and management.

4. Managing Pain Assessment and Management Efficiently

4.1. Recognising and Assessing Pain

Pain can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and may be difficult to identify in some service users (e.g., those with dementia or communication difficulties).

Indicators of Pain

Care staff must be trained to recognise verbal and non-verbal signs of pain, including:

• Verbal indicators – Complaints of discomfort, moaning, or requests for pain relief.
• Behavioural changes – Restlessness, agitation, or withdrawal from activities.
• Physical signs – Facial grimacing, increased heart rate, changes in posture.
• Sleep disturbances – Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort.

Pain Assessment Tools

{{org_field_name}} uses standardised pain assessment tools, including:

• Numeric Pain Rating Scale (0-10 scale) – For service users who can verbalise pain.
• Wong-Baker FACES Scale – A visual pain scale for those with cognitive impairments.
• Abbey Pain Scale – For individuals unable to communicate (e.g., those with advanced dementia).

Pain assessments must be:

• Conducted upon initial care planning.
• Reassessed regularly, particularly for those with chronic conditions.
• Documented clearly, ensuring trends are monitored over time.

4.2. Pain Management Strategies

Once pain is identified, a tailored pain management plan is developed, using:

Pharmacological Pain Relief

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen) may be recommended if deemed appropriate.
• Prescribed medications (e.g., opioids, anti-inflammatories) must be administered in line with the Medication Management and Administration Policy (DCW21).
• Topical pain relief treatments (e.g., gels, patches) must be applied as prescribed.
• Adherence to medication schedules to ensure consistent pain relief.

All medications must be:

• Administered only by trained and authorised staff.
• Recorded accurately, including dosage, time, and effectiveness.
• Monitored for side effects, ensuring safety.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief

Non-medication approaches are encouraged where suitable, including:

• Heat or cold therapy (e.g., heat packs, ice packs).
• Massage and gentle movement to relieve muscle stiffness.
• Relaxation techniques, including deep breathing and mindfulness.
• Positioning and mobility support, ensuring comfort.
• Use of assistive devices (e.g., pressure-relieving mattresses, cushions).

Care staff must document the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions and escalate concerns if pain persists.

4.3. Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals

If pain does not improve or becomes severe, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Refer the service user to a GP, district nurse, or pain specialist.
• Work alongside palliative care teams, where applicable, to ensure appropriate pain relief.
• Seek pharmacist support for medication adjustments.
• Ensure timely follow-ups, avoiding unnecessary discomfort for service users.

4.4. Monitoring, Reviewing, and Escalating Pain Concerns

Pain management must be regularly reviewed, ensuring ongoing effectiveness. {{org_field_name}} ensures that:

• Pain levels are recorded at every care visit, using validated pain scales.
• Medication effectiveness is reviewed, ensuring adjustments where needed.
• Service users and families are consulted regularly, ensuring satisfaction with pain management.
• Staff escalate pain-related concerns immediately if:
  • Pain worsens despite treatment.
  • There are signs of adverse medication reactions.
  • A service user develops new or unexplained pain.

4.5. Staff Training and Competency in Pain Management

All staff involved in pain management must:

• Complete mandatory training on pain recognition, assessment, and management.
• Demonstrate competency in using pain assessment tools.
• Understand medication administration protocols and side-effect monitoring.
• Receive refresher training annually, ensuring best practices are followed.

Competency assessments will be conducted to ensure that all staff can effectively manage pain in service users.

4.6. Person-Centred Approach and Ethical Considerations

Pain management must be:

• Tailored to the individual, considering preferences, culture, and beliefs.
• Ethically managed, ensuring no unnecessary suffering.
• Aligned with mental capacity considerations, ensuring informed consent.
• Documented with transparency, ensuring regulatory compliance.

Service users must be involved in their pain management plan, and their dignity and autonomy must be respected at all times.

5. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Medication Management and Administration Policy (DCW21) – Covering safe medication handling.
• Palliative and End-of-Life Care Policy (DCW38) – Covering pain relief for terminal conditions.
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13) – Ensuring pain is not overlooked.
• Person-Centred Care Policy (DCW07) – Ensuring individual needs are prioritised.
• Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy (DCW27) – Ensuring staff competency in pain management.

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to:

• Changes in CIW regulations or NICE guidelines.
• New pain management research or treatment options.
• Feedback from staff, service users, or healthcare professionals.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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