Social Work Question:
What is the role of the social worker with pain management?
Answer:
► Be familiar with the Federal regulations for pain management in F309 Quality of Life
► Assessment using tools like the "faces" scale, the "number scale 1-10" or scales for advanced dementia
► Assessment by asking about: aggravating and alleviating factors, impact of pain, meaning of pain, and most importantly, the resident's goals for pain management
► Education regarding: misconceptions related to pain, challenges to achieve adequate pain management, the relation of pain to behaviors/mood, definitions of tolerance, addiction and dependence
► Identification of non-drug interventions and techniques to relieve anxiety (guided imagery, visualization, muscle relaxation)
► Assessment using tools like the "faces" scale, the "number scale 1-10" or scales for advanced dementia
► Assessment by asking about: aggravating and alleviating factors, impact of pain, meaning of pain, and most importantly, the resident's goals for pain management
► Education regarding: misconceptions related to pain, challenges to achieve adequate pain management, the relation of pain to behaviors/mood, definitions of tolerance, addiction and dependence
► Identification of non-drug interventions and techniques to relieve anxiety (guided imagery, visualization, muscle relaxation)