Unmasking pain in patients in critical condition in the emergency department

Wayne Varndell inhabits a world of pain in his work as a clinical nurse consultant.

But for Wayne, a PhD student in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, his work and research have the aim of enabling emergency nurses manage pain in critically ill patients, highlighting evidence-based strategies and tools to guide best practice, decision-making and patient advocacy in the emergency care setting.  

Preliminary findings from the research already show hugely significant potential for positive impacts on patients and health clinicians.

While local policies to enable emergency nurses to administer analgesia are present, they are sporadic and do not address the assessment and management of acute pain in critically ill patients,” Wayne said.

"Despite evidence demonstrating nurse-initiated analgesia is safe, timely and effective, a nationwide policy incorporating evidence-based strategies, is urgently needed to standardise practice in management of acute pain in this highly vulnerable patient group."

"Wayne Varndell"

• A national survey of emergency nurse pain management practices;
• Work observations of 50 nurses working in emergency resuscitation areas;
• In-depth interviews with 50 emergency nurses.

The next step will be the development of nationwide policies for pain management which will improve patient outcomes and increase recognition of the nurses’ role and consistency within practice.

Find out more

For more information about our research impact in the Faculty of Health or for collaboration opportunities, contact:

Professor Angela Dawson

E: Angela.Dawson@uts.edu.au
T: +61 (02) 9514 4892
PO Box 123 Broadway NSW 2007 Australia