Pain as the fifth vital sign in Galicia: overcome challenge

Abstract

Background / Purpose: In 2010, the Galician Health Service (SERGAS) set forth the “Integral Pain Care Strategy” within the strategy “SERGAS” 2014: public healthcare at the patient’s service.In 2011 pain evaluation as a fifth vital sign is implemented in all 15 hospitals belonging to the Galician Health Service, including the Visual Analogue Pain Scale in the vital signs chart within the Management of Care Application (GACELA) data record. The following standard was included as an objective in the management contract which is signed by all hospital directors: that 50% of all in-patients have a pain evaluation register in their vital signs chart. Main conclusion: Nearly half of all in-patients suffer pain, more so in females over 60 years old. The pain evaluation procedure has allowed us to become aware of the real situation and to improve healthcare procedures.

Comunicación - póster presentada en: 8th biennial European Pain Federation, EFIC congress “Pain in Europe VIII”, celebrado en Florencia (Italia) del 9 al 12 de octubre de 2013