While implementing patient comfort measures may only take a few minutes, they can pay big dividends when it comes to patient satisfaction survey results. Reducing patient discomfort and providing a better patient experience can be as easy as using one of these three nursing techniques for pain management.

Pain Management Techniques In Nursing Practice

1. Explaining the Procedure: A Critical Nursing Technique for Pain Management

If you’re about to give a patient an injection or are preparing to draw their blood, you might not feel there’s much to discuss about the minor procedure. But a few reassuring words and a brief explanation of the process can help decrease your patient's anxiety and make them feel more at ease. Let them know exactly what they can expect to reduce any uncertainty. For instance, you can reassure them they will feel a brief pinching or poking sensation that will only last for a second.

This is especially critical for nurses caring for pediatric patients. A “poke plan” is a step-by-step strategy for reducing needle phobia in children that could lead to symptoms similar to a panic attack.

2. Involving Patients: A Strategic Nursing Method for Managing Pain 

In addition to explaining treatment procedures to your patients, invite them to ask questions and take a direct role in their care. One of the biggest stressors for a patient during a doctor’s visit or hospital stay is the feeling of a lack of control. When patients are encouraged to voice their concerns and offer their input, it not only helps them feel more comfortable with the process but it can also help you provide better care since you may gain additional insight into their condition.

For pediatric patients, it’s helpful to ask parents about the child’s previous experience with needles and how they reacted. You can also ask the child what would help them feel more comfortable, such as holding a parent’s hand or looking away when you administer the injection or IV. Inviting them to hold a favorite toy or watch to short video clip can also help distract them.

3. Applying a Topical Anesthetic: An Effective Nursing Technique for Pain Control

Using a topical anesthetic can reduce the sting of procedures that involve needles. Many healthcare providers assume an anesthetic isn’t needed since the procedure will only take a few seconds. But the simple act of applying a topical anesthetic to reduce the discomfort associated with needle procedures can go a long way to improve patient comfort.

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to improve your patient satisfaction scores, these nursing techniques for pain management can help.

Topical anesthetics in single patient packages offer a personalized way to improve comfort for hospital patients. For answers to all of your questions, download our free guide, Pain Ease® Single Patient Package: Your Top 10 Questions Answered.

Pain Ease is a topical anesthetic skin refrigerant that helps nurses provide a better quality of care by improving patient comfort. Learn more about Pain Ease and where it can be purchased.