Monitoring Pain

Pain should be assessed between as well as during dressing changes. This involves assessing the level of background pain as well as wound pain, and assessing the comfort of dressings or other interventions after the procedure is completed.

To allow accurate monitoring of changes, use a validated pain scale and use the same scale throughout. Always accept the patient's reported level of pain, even if it seems out of proportion.

This will allow appropriate selection of pain management strategies according to the needs of the patient and condition of the wound.

• Offer appropriate analgesic or other pain management
• As the condition of the wound changes so will the needs of the patient
• If there is any increase in pain, review the treatment strategy or choice of dressing