[Pain indicators in critical care]

Abstract

In this descriptive/qualitative study, focus groups and individual interviews were completed with 48 critical care nurses and 12 critical care physicians. Results showed that many indicators are used by those clinicians for pain assessment in intubated patients, whatever their level of consciousness. Nurses and physicians mentioned giving weight to the patient's self-assessmen tof pain even when intubated, communication then being by means of signs. Behavioural and physiological indicators also provide clinicians with valuable information for pain assessment. However, for the most part these indicators are not specific to pain, limiting their usefulness in this context. The study aslo suggests recommendations for nursing practice and ideas for nursing resarch.