Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 161 PAIN MANAGEMENT EDUCATION ____________________________________________________ PURPOSE: • To uphold patients rights to receive information about, and when appropriate to be involved in the decision-making process about care, treatment and/or services. • To communicate to patients and families the importance of pain management as an integral part of care, treatment and/or services while taking into account personal, cultural, spiritual and/or ethnic beliefs. • To instruct patients and families about pain and effective pain management. POLICY: • MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. plans, supports and coordinates activities and resources to assure that the patient’s pain is recognized and addressed appropriately. • All patients admitted to MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. will receive education regarding pain and pain management when warranted by their condition. This education will be provided in a format and language that is understandable to the patient and his/her family. • Education is provided, as appropriate, during the admission visit and whenever necessary while the patient is receiving services from the MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. • Patients and families are provided with the following information: • A general overview of pain and its management • Pharmacological management of pain, including appropriate use and common side effects of drugs • The potential limitations, side effects and possible unexpected outcomes of pain management modalities • Nonpharmacological pain management • Patient and family roles in the control and management of pain __________