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Use of Observer-Rated Clinical Indicators of Pain in the Elderly

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

E. Ann Mohide
Affiliation:
McMaster University
John Byles
Affiliation:
McMaster University
Larry W. Chambers
Affiliation:
McMaster University

Abstract

This study's objective was to determine the extent of agreement between experienced Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Nursing Assistants (RNAs) in their use of pain indicators in assessing elderly nursing home residents for the presence of pain. Twenty-three pain indicators were judged appropriate by seasoned clinicians for assessment of pain in the elderly. Structured interviews with a card-sort technique were administered to 30 RNs and 30 RNAs from five nursing homes. Respondents were asked to rank the indicators in order of their perceived usefulness. Substantial agreement (Kappa=0.74, p<0.001) was found between the two groups. Personal characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different (p<.05). Clinical, educational and research implications are discussed.

Résumé

La présente étude porte sur une comparaison de la façon dont les infirmières diplômées (RNs dans le texte) et les infirmières assistantes (RNAs dans le texte) appliquent aux pensionnaires des maison de cure divers indices de la douleur. Vingt-trois indices considérés par des cliniciens chevronnés comme appropriés aux personnes âgées ont été retenus. Trente infirmières et trente assistantes provenant de cinq maisons de cure ont été examinées en entrevue à l'aide de la technique dite du choix de cartes. La tâche imposées consistait à ordonner les indices en fonction de leur utilité. L' accord entre les deux groupes s'est avéré sensiblement élevé (kappa = 0,74;p<0,001). Les deux groupes ne présentaient pas de caractéristiques personnelles sensiblement différentes (p<0,05). La présentation est suivie d'une discussion des implications de cette étude pour la clinique, l'enseignement et la recherche.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1983

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