Going one step further: Skilled pain assessment and the art of adjuvant analgesia

Abstract

Evolving pain management practice has two phases: 1) the development of confidence and competence in prescribing opioids at whatever dose is needed to control pain; and, 2) advanced assessment skills and understanding when adjuvant analgesics must be employed with or without opioids to manage certain types of pain. A growing reliance on opioids alone is illustrated in case study by a nurse pain consultant. Dramatic improvements occur in patient function and coping when clinicians move beyond the sole utilization of opioids to understand the importance of skillful assessment of the patient’s experience and the artful use of adjuvant medications.