Use of Observer-Rated Clinical Indicators of Pain in the Elderly Journal Articles uri icon

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abstract

  • ABSTRACTThis 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.

publication date

  • October 1983