Article type
Abstract
Background: Pain management is a significant issue in health facilities in Ghana. For the burn-injured client, this is even more challenging as burns pain has varied facets. Despite the existence of pharmacological agents for pain management, the complaint of pain still persists.
Objectives: The aim of this project was to identify pain management practices in the burn unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, compare these approaches to best practices and implement strategies to enhance compliance to standards.
Methods: Ten evidence-based audit criteria were developed from evidence summaries. Using the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence Software (PACES), a baseline audit was undertaken using a convenience sample of ten patients from the day of admission to the seventh day. Thereafter, Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) component in PACES was used to identify barriers, strategies, resources and outcomes. A follow-up audit was undertaken using the same sample size and audit criteria at the end of the implementation phase.
Results: The baseline results showed that there was poor adherence to best practices. However, following implementation of strategies, including on-going professional education, provision of assessment tools and protocols, compliance rates improved significantly with 100% compliance noted with criteria 6. Though the success of this project was almost disrupted by an industrial strike action, collaboration with external bodies enabled its sustainability
Conclusions: Pain-management practices in the burns unit improved at the end of the project which reflects the importance of audit process, education, providing feedback, group efforts and effective collaboration. Opportunities, however, exist in assessing patient outcomes following the implementation of best practices.
Objectives: The aim of this project was to identify pain management practices in the burn unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, compare these approaches to best practices and implement strategies to enhance compliance to standards.
Methods: Ten evidence-based audit criteria were developed from evidence summaries. Using the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence Software (PACES), a baseline audit was undertaken using a convenience sample of ten patients from the day of admission to the seventh day. Thereafter, Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) component in PACES was used to identify barriers, strategies, resources and outcomes. A follow-up audit was undertaken using the same sample size and audit criteria at the end of the implementation phase.
Results: The baseline results showed that there was poor adherence to best practices. However, following implementation of strategies, including on-going professional education, provision of assessment tools and protocols, compliance rates improved significantly with 100% compliance noted with criteria 6. Though the success of this project was almost disrupted by an industrial strike action, collaboration with external bodies enabled its sustainability
Conclusions: Pain-management practices in the burns unit improved at the end of the project which reflects the importance of audit process, education, providing feedback, group efforts and effective collaboration. Opportunities, however, exist in assessing patient outcomes following the implementation of best practices.