A small scale exploration of potential benefits of routine rounds by a Chronic Pain Nurse Specialist on orthopaedic wards

Summary 

This study is a small-scale audit to evaluate the effectiveness of regular ward rounds by a Chronic Pain Nurse Specialist (CPNS) on orthopaedic wards in a UK District General Hospital. Objectives were to assess existing practice in relation to pain management, identify the impact of regular ward rounds by the CPNS and identify key improvements for patient care.

A retrospective audit of current practice was undertaken using patients’ medical records. This was followed by the CPNS commencing bi-weekly ward rounds and then a further audit. Participants were those admitted to orthopaedic wards with non-malignant musculoskeletal pain for which surgery was not appropriate. The length of hospital stay of these patients was significantly reduced (p=0.0001). The largest sub-group of patients admitted had chronic back pain, and a greater number of patients received pain management interventions. The introduction of ward rounds by the CPNS appeared to have an effect on the length of stay of this sub-group and on pain management.

Keywords: Chronic pain, Musculoskeletal pain, Orthopaedic nursing, Audit, Nursing ward rounds, Chronic Pain Nurse Specialist