A Psychological Perspective - Essay Example

A Psychological Perspective on Pain Assessment and Treatment Consider the health professional’s role in assessing and treating pain. What is the roleof assessing pain? How does assessment of pain relate to the treatment of pain?Health professional’s role in pain management can be highly critical as it directly impacts the kind of therapy provided. Moreover, their assessment of pain in different people is different and depends on various factors like patient’s age, understanding and knowledge, severity and nature of pain, psychosocial issues etc.

The role of healthcare professional in chronic pain management is to help patient accept that pain relief is a slow process, and also to develop other creative approaches that will help the patient accept the pain (Bradey & Jeffreys, 2002). Pain therapists need to be aware of certain psychosocial issues such as altered mood states, anxiety, work dissatisfaction, medicolegal compensation and fear of re-injury or pain. During assessment, therapists should be aware of social desirability behaviour of the patient wherein the patient tends to behave in a manner that is culturally acceptable, which may deviate administration of the right therapy.

Secondly, patients that are compensated for their pain tend to give incorrect or inaccurate information related to actual pain experienced. Thirdly, patients with chronic pain tend to develop memory problems due to various reasons. Sometimes, unconscious beliefs and attitudes of therapists can affect assessment and treatment of pain in some patient groups (Strong et al, 2002). Assessment of pain is crucial to decide the kind of therapy required to manage pain. More often, patients’ description of pain is the first step to assessment.

Assessment varies with the type of pain, whether chronic or acute pain. From a psychological perspective, besides medication, it is important to employ certain psychological or behavioural interventions to pain management. Establishing good rapport with the patient is foremost. Clear guidelines and expectations about the medications will help patient comply with the required dosage. ReferencesBradey, J.A and Jeffreys, L.K. 2002. Role of the Nurse Clinician. In Burchiel, K’s Surgical management of pain.

Thieme Medical Publishers, NY.Strong, J, Sturgess, J, Unruh, A.M and Vicenzino, B. Pain assessment and measurement. In Strong, J, Unruh, A.M and Wright, A’s Pain: A textbook for therapists. Elsevier Health Sciences, London. pp:123-148.