Use of the Patient Whiteboard to Improve Communication of Pain Medication Schedule

<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p> <p>Despite advances in treatment, pain remains a significant problem in healthcare today. Sub-optimal pain management results in poor patient outcomes and patient satisfaction, culminating in decreased quality of life and financial loss for the health care facility. An important component of pain management is transparent and timely health care team/ patient communication. This project aims to improve patient satisfaction in pain management by incorporating pain medication last given and next available times on patient whiteboards. The targeted floor was a busy post-op medical floor in a medium sized community hospital. Staff were educated with short educational sessions, educational pamphlets, an informational posterboard, and demonstration during RN shadowing. Pre-and post-intervention inquiries were conducted with staff and patients regarding whiteboard usage and pain management. Usage and accuracy were audited. Results indicate an improvement in patients’ knowledge of their pain management plan, inclusion, and comfort in asking for medication. RN surveys revealed increases in writing, using, and perceptions of intervention utility A CNL using transformational leadership would be integral to shaping a culture that would embody and sustain patient-centered evidence-based practice.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Level thesis:degree_level

Project/Capstone - Global access

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Gonzalez-Shalaby, Carmela, MSN, RN

Contributors dc:contributor

• Elena Capella
• T. Gallo

• Whiteboard
• pain management
• communication
• Nursing
• Other Nursing

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/327

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.usfca.edu:capstone-1341