EVALUATION OF PAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR TRAUMA PATIENTS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS IN PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Effective pain management is an essential component of emergency trauma care; however, pain may remain inadequately assessed, documented, treated, and reassessed because of clinical and organizational barriers. Objectives: This study aimed to assess pain assessment and pain-management practices for trauma patients and identify factors affecting pain management in emergency departments of tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 healthcare professionals working in emergency departments. Participants were selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent and were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Formal pain-management training was reported by 78% of participants. Initial pain assessment was rarely or never performed by 52%, while 43% reported that analgesics were rarely or never administered promptly for severe pain. Pain-score documentation and reassessment after analgesia were reported positively by 72% and 78%, respectively. Only 54.1% followed standard pain-management guidelines, while overcrowding was identified as the major barrier by 76.8%. Formal training showed a significant association with guideline adherence (χ²=7.004, p=0.008). Conclusion: Pain-management practices were partially satisfactory, with important gaps in initial assessment, timely analgesia, and guideline adherence. Regular training, standardized protocols, and improved department emergency systems are required.