BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Studies on pain prevalence systematically point to high values. Although not comparable, a global analysis allows inferring that from every two hospitalized patients, one is in pain. This study aimed at determining pain prevalence, its characteristics, analgesic treatment and satisfaction of patients admitted to a hospital in the Center of Portugal with regard to pain evaluation and treatment. METHODS: This is a transversal and observational study with 141 patients admitted for at least 24 hours to surgical and medical units (excluded those unable to communicate), with mean age of 69 years, of both genders, who were interviewed after compliance with respective formal and ethic procedures. RESULTS: Pain prevalence in the 24 hours previous to the study was 52.5% (28.8% severe pain). During interviews, prevalence has decreased to 41.1% (2.7% severe pain). Patients with more severe pain were admitted to surgical services and pain was primarily musculoskeletal. Most patients with pain have waited no more than ten minutes before analgesics were administered. From 57 patients referring pain during data collection, 46 (80.7%) did not require a different drug and 91.3% were happy with their treatment. CONCLUSION: In this institution, there has been pain prevalence and approach similar to the literature, but pain remains undertreated. Such data shall allow the definition and implementation of a more focused and effective pain control program.
Pain; Pain intensity; Pain prevalence; Pain treatment; Patient's satisfaction
