| Examine multiple indicators of pain, including (1) Patient perceptions; (2) Cognitive attempts to address pain; (3) Behavioural responses (e.g., reduced mobility, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression); and (4) Physiological changes (vital signs: Tachycardia, hypertension) |
| Accept patients self-report, and only replace behaviour and/or physiological changes when he is unable to communicate |
| Assess pain at rest and during activity (e.g., moving, coughing) |
| Measure pain frequently during the early post operative period: At regular intervals, consistent with type of surgery and severity |
| Document pain intensity and its response to any interventions and adverse effects |
| Promptly assess instances of sudden intense pain |
| Think of reasons or any disparities between patients’ self-report of pain and behaviour. As patient may be denying pain due to casualness or worry of inadequate pain relief |
| Special attention to special populations, and be aware of hurdles of effective communication (e.g., language issues, mental, cognitive or hearing impairments, etc) |
| Revisit the management plan, if needed |
| Before discharging patient, review interventions implied and their efficiency; give specific and detailed discharge instructions for pain management at home |
