When should a pain assessment be conducted?

A pain assessment should be conducted regularly, particularly after interventions, because pain can fluctuate based on various factors, including treatment effectiveness, disease progression, and patient activity. Consistent evaluation allows healthcare providers to monitor the patient's pain levels continuously, adjust pain management strategies as needed, and ensure that the patient is receiving the most effective care.

Conducting assessments only at the initial patient encounter does not provide a complete understanding of the patient's pain experience over time, which is essential for effective management. Assessing pain only once a week during follow-up visits may not capture significant changes that can occur daily or even hourly. Lastly, limiting assessments to times when a new medication is prescribed would ignore the ongoing nature of pain management and could lead to inadequate care. Regular assessments enable a more responsive approach to managing pain, ensuring that patients achieve optimal relief and better quality of life.