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Reduce Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) Involving Narcotics and Sedatives:
Implement a Pain Management Team

A pain management team can be a great resource to clinicians managing patients in pain. If a patient’s pain is not being relieved adequately or is difficult to control, consultation with a team of experts can often help the situation. Train a team of internal staff in pain management assessment and treatment technique, and then establish a program so that the team can be called for assistance.


Tips
  • Set criteria for automatic consultation with the team, such as when a patient’s pain level exceeds a certain level over a specified period of time.
  • Work with physicians to determine the role of the team, that is, to specify whether team members can order or adjust pain regimens.