Table 5.

Key concepts (TELLS) used for pain management,^* with specific examples

	Examples	Comments
Type of noxious stimuli	Visceral, neuropathic, somatic, orofacial, oncologic	Certain analgesic drugs may be more effective for certain types of pain. For example, analgesic drugs that help treat peripheral or central sensitisation (eg, ketamine or methadone) may be an appropriate choice in cases of neuropathic injury
Expected duration of noxious stimuli	Transient stimuli of <2 h (placement of a urinary catheter or endoscopy) vs prolonged and sustained (24-72 h) stimuli, following surgery	This should affect frequency and need for pain assessment. Analgesic drug may be determined based on duration of action. Hospitalisation and analgesic infusions may be required
Location of noxious stimuli	Thoracic limb, pelvic limb, orofacial, abdominal, intrathoracic	Useful when considering locoregional techniques
Location of patient during treatment	Outpatient or inpatient	This may influence the route and frequency of analgesic administration (dosage regimens). Also the frequency of pain assessment
Severity of noxious stimuli	Mild, moderate or severe	May affect the dose and choice of analgesic drug class

^*These concepts help determine the dose, frequency, type and route of analgesic drug(s) to be provided