A Pain Champion Program: Improving Outcomes for Oncology Patients and Staff

Purpose:
Unmanaged pain continues to be a healthcare challenge. Mercy Medical Center developed a Pain Champion Program which has become the foundation for improving patient satisfaction with pain management by integrating unit-based pain nurses into all clinical areas.

Significance:
Educating nurses in pain management has shown limited long-term success to impact patient care. The Pain Resource Nurse Program was developed by the City of Hope Medical Center and serves as an improvement model through a combination of nursing education and ongoing peer support and dialogue.

Strategy and Implementation:
Mercy Medical Center developed a Pain Champion Program which has become the foundation for improving patient satisfaction with pain management by integrating unit-based pain nurses into all clinical areas. The program was developed to identify nurses who have a passion and commitment to providing high-quality pain management, along with preparing them to serve as role models and resources for the entire healthcare team, including other staff, physicians and pharmacists on their units.

Evaluation:
Oncology Nurse Pain Champions implemented many unique initiatives, including a pain task force and the development of a pain algorithm. Success is being measured by improved patient pain satisfaction via HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) surveys.

Implications for Practice:
Patient: enhanced pain management, increased satisfaction. Nursing: enhanced empowerment and improved collaboration with entire healthcare team; opportunity to earn ANCC certification in Pain Management Nursing; increased applicants for Professional Development Ladder