Classmate 1 response
The video highlights the importance of clear communication, respect, and patient education when discussing medications for chronic pain. Such an approach can help build trust and empower patients to take an active role in their care. In a drug and alcohol rehab setting, there can be several barriers that might prevent healthcare providers from responding to patients like the nurse in the video. Some healthcare providers may stigmatizing views or biases towards patients with substance use disorders, which can affect the quality of care and communication. Healthcare providers also are concerned about inadvertently enabling substance use by prescribing pain medications, leading to hesitancy or reluctance to discuss pain management strategies. Within a substance abuse facility, it is not always easy to manage pain, while there are many options we are also limited in what we can offer. Creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment can also encourage open dialogue and trust between healthcare providers and patients. Additionally using a patient-centered approach can enhance understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
classmate 2 response
Barriers that I may encounter in my clinical practice include communication amongst colleagues, for example letting each member of the healthcare team know the patients pain goals and their preferred pain management style. Studies have shown that health professionals should work together toward improving pain management. As this is a shared responsibility among clinicians, a collaborative approach within a multidisciplinary team is required within the hospital. (Akbar, 2019) If one miss communication occurs the patient may not get their pain medication or if the nurse says we can try alternative measures and then does not show the patient those measures the patient will continue to have pain. The patient in this video knew what worked for her in the past and was also very open to trying new alternatives to pain management. I could see another barrier being time. Not only having the time to communicate with your patient and educate them but also is it the right time to have that conversation? I personally feel the patient should be comfortable prior to the conversation. If I was in pain, the last thing I would be focusing on is someone trying to talk to me about my pain needs. Many studies have shown that workload limits the time we have to spend with our clients and provide education (Vacek, 2021) After that, when time allows, will it be the most appropriate time to speak with our clients? I think there will always be some sort of barrier in communicating with our patients, but we must try to make the best effort to educate them on pain management and do so without judgment or bias.
Akbar, N., Teo, S. P., Artini Hj-Abdul-Rahman, H. N., Hj-Husaini, H. A., & Venkatasalu, M. R. (2019). Barriers and Solutions for Improving Pain Management Practices in Acute Hospital Settings: Perspectives of Healthcare Practitioners for a Pain-Free Hospital Initiative. Annals of geriatric medicine and research, 23(4), 190–196. https://doi.org/10.4235/agmr.19.0037Links to an external site.
Vacek, A., Wiggins, S., & Struwe, L. (2021). Nurse and Provider Pain Management Education Priorities and Barriers. Pain Management Nursing, 22(5), 579–585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2021.06.007
