Rationale and key points

Chronic pain is complex and multifactorial, and it can have a significant negative effect on all aspects of a person’s daily life such as their physical activity, sleep, mood, ability to work and personal relationships. Given the complex nature of chronic pain, it is essential that nurses are able to undertake a comprehensive pain assessment to fully understand each individual’s total pain experience.

• A holistic, person-centred approach should be used when assessing someone living with chronic pain.

• There is a wide range of pain assessment tools available, and their use varies depending on the practice setting and the type of pain being reported.

• It is essential that any assessment captures the individual’s experience of their pain.

Reflective activity

‘ How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

• How this article might improve your practice when undertaking an assessment of a patient’s chronic pain.

• How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues on the appropriate steps when undertaking an assessment of chronic pain.