[Non-pharmacologic measures in pain therapy. Application in 25 German hospitals]

Abstract

Background: The application of non-pharmacologic therapy (NPT) within pain therapy increases patient satisfaction and is, in addition to pharmacologic methods, recommended in the National Expert Standard on Pain Management in Nursing of the German Network of Quality Development in Nursing. If and to what extent non-pharmacologic methods are applied within pain therapy in German hospitals has as yet been unknown.

Materials and methods: Within the project "Pain-Free Hospital" 2,840 nurses in 25 hospitals were interviewed via questionnaire forms and oral interviews about the use of NPT.

Results: Of the nurses 80% confirmed the use of NPT. The majority of the interviewed nurses applied superficial cold, bedding and heat for pain relief. We identified barriers to the implementation of NPT, such as the scarce knowledge of nurses about these therapeutic areas and the uncertainty whether NPT needs to be described by doctors or not.

Conclusion: Some of the NPTs are well established in hospitals. For nationwide use of NPT their systematic training and implementation is necessary.