Pain management practices of nurses caring for older patients with osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent chronic illness in older people. Management o f the ensuing pain is of critical importance in preventing disability and m aintaining independence. This qualitative study explored the pain managemen t techniques used by 10RNs working in home health nursing: Four categories emerged from the interview data: knowing how to assess, knowing about pain treatments, trying but frustrated, and needing more knowledge. These catego ries were reduced into two constructs: Understanding Pain and Wanting to Pr ovide Good Nursing Care. Clinical implications included supplementing pain management strategies by adding to the assessment base, expanding pain mana gement techniques, and increasing knowledge about aging processes and pain control.