Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Pain in emergency units: correlation with risk classification categories* * Supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil, grant #121915/2016-6.

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

to correlate risk classification categories with the level of pain of patients in an emergency service.

Method:

cross-sectional study carried out in the Risk Classification of 611 patients. The variables studied were: age, gender, comorbidities, complaint duration, medical specialty, signs and symptoms, outcome, color attributed in the risk classification of and degree of pain. We used Analysis of Variance, a Chi-Square test and a Likelihood Ratio test.

Results:

the average age was 42.1 years (17.8); 59.9% were women; the green (58.9%) and yellow (22.7%) risk classification prevailed and hypertension (18.3%) was the most common Comorbidity. The most frequent pain intensity was moderate (25.9%). In the red category, patients presented a higher percentage of absence of pain; in the blue, mild pain; and in the green, yellow and orange categories, there was a greater percentage of intense pain (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

among the patients who presented pain, the majority reported moderate intensity. Regarding risk categories, most patients in the red category did not report pain. Those who were classified as green, yellow and orange, reported mostly intense pain. On the other hand, patients in the blue category reported predominantly mild pain.

Descriptors:
Triage; Emergency Medical Services; Pain; Emergency Nursing; Pain Measurement; Nursing

RESUMO

Objetivos:

correlacionar as categorias da classificação de risco com grau de dor dos pacientes em um serviço de emergência.

Método:

estudo transversal, realizado no Acolhimento com Classificação de Risco com 611 pacientes. As variáveis estudadas foram: idade, sexo, comorbidades, duração da queixa, especialidade médica, sinais e sintomas, desfecho, cor atribuída na classificação de risco e grau da dor. Utilizou-se a Análise de Variância, teste Qui-Quadrado e teste da Razão de Verossimilhança.

Resultados:

a média de idade foi 42,1 anos (17,8), 59,9% eram mulheres, com classificação de risco verde (58,9%) e amarela (22,7%), e comorbidade prevalente a hipertensão arterial (18,3%). Intensidade de dor mais frequente foi moderada (25,9%). Na categoria vermelha, pacientes apresentaram maior percentual de ausência de dor; na azul, dor leve; e nas categorias verde, amarela e laranja, maior percentual de dor intensa (p<0,0001).

Conclusão:

dos pacientes que apresentaram dor, a maioria referiu intensidade moderada. Em relação às categorias de risco, a maior parte dos pacientes da categoria vermelha não relatou dor; os que foram classificados como verde, amarela e laranja referiram, na maioria das vezes, dor intensa; já os pacientes da categoria azul mencionaram, predominantemente, dor leve.

Descritores:
Triagem; Serviços Médicos de Emergência; Dor; Enfermagem em Emergência; Medição da Dor; Enfermagem

RESUMEN

Objetivos:

correlacionar las categorías de clasificación de riesgo con grado de dolor de los pacientes en un servicio de emergencia.

Método:

estudio transversal, realizado en la Acogida con Clasificación de Riesgo con 611 pacientes. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, comorbilidades, duración de la queja, especialidad médica, signos y síntomas, resultado, color atribuída a la clasificación de riesgo y grado de dolor. Se utilizaron Análisis de Varianza, Prueba Chi cuadrado y la prueba de Razón de Verosimilitud.

Resultados:

la edad promedio fue de 42,1 años (17,8), 59.9% eran mujeres, con clasificación de riesgo verde (58,9%) y amarillo (22,7%) y comorbilidad prevalente a hipertensión arterial (18,3%). La intensidad de dolor más frecuente fue moderada (25.9%). En la categoría roja, los pacientes presentaron un mayor porcentaje de ausencia de dolor, en la azul, dolor suave, y en las categorías verde, amarillo y naranja, un porcentaje más alto de dolor severo (p < 0,0001).

Conclusión:

de los pacientes que presentaron dolor, la mayoría se refiere a intensidad moderada. En relación con las categorías de riesgo, la mayoría de los pacientes de la categoría roja no informó dolor. Quienes fueron clasificados como verde, amarillo y naranja, mencionaron, en su mayoría, dolor intenso. Los pacientes de la categoría azul, reportaron, predominante, dolor leve.

Descriptores:
Triaje; Servicios Médicos de Urgencia; Dolor; Enfermería de Urgencia; Dimensión del Dolor; Enfermería

Introduction

The situation of emergency services has been a matter of concern to the health community and to society. The demand for these services has increased due to high rates of urban violence, accidents and aging populations with a consequent increase of chronic diseases11 Saway R, Valenzuela R, Shoenberger JM, Mallon WK, Viccellio A. Emergency department overcrowding: evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. Rev Med Clin Condes. 2017; 28(2) 213-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-664-4-67
http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-66...
-22 Mirandola AR, Bós AJG. Relationship between physical function and decision-making capacity in oldest-old. Pajar. 2015;3(2):53-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15448/2357-9641.2015.2.22532
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.154...
. Furthermore, many of the cases received in emergency units are the result of low complexity diseases, referred to these services due to lack of structure in the basic health network, that could be resolved in basic or specialized units, or emergency services of lower complexity33 Guedes HM, Souza KM, Lima PO, Martins JCA, Chianca TCM. Relationship between complaints presented by emergency patients and the final outcome. Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem. [Internet].2015 Jul/Aug [cited Feb 3, 2016];23(4):587-94. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-11692015000400587&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
. This demand profile characterizes the Emergency Service (ES) as one of the main entry points to the health system11 Saway R, Valenzuela R, Shoenberger JM, Mallon WK, Viccellio A. Emergency department overcrowding: evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. Rev Med Clin Condes. 2017; 28(2) 213-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-664-4-67
http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-66...
.

The reception of patients with Risk Assessment and Classification (RRAC) was implemented to improve care in Emergency Services and consists of a system of initial evaluation of patients’ complaints with the main objective of providing care according to the level of severity, and no longer on a first-come, first-served basis11 Saway R, Valenzuela R, Shoenberger JM, Mallon WK, Viccellio A. Emergency department overcrowding: evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. Rev Med Clin Condes. 2017; 28(2) 213-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-664-4-67
http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-66...
,44 Souza CC, Araújo FA, Chianca TCM. Scientific literature on the reliability and validity of the manchester triage system (MTS) protocol: A integrative literature review. Rev Esc Enferm USP. [Internet].2015 [cited Feb 9, 2016];49(1):144-51. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0080-62342015000100144&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
.

The RRAC performed by nurses is a tool to recognize patients who must be assisted within the shortest time possible. In the 1990s, several countries adopted and improved scales to classify patients’ risk. The most recognized international scales are: the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), the Australasian Triage Scale (ATS), the Canadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS) and the Manchester Triage System (MTS). In 2004, the Ministry of Health (MOH) created the QualiSUS Program and the National Humanization Policy (PNH), initiating the RRAC in Brazil as based on the Manchester protocol. The RRAC scales are different from each other and are often adapted to the places where they are used; yet, most of them rank patients into five risk categories, each category corresponding to a time interval which the patients can wait to receive medical attention, according to the severity of their situation11 Saway R, Valenzuela R, Shoenberger JM, Mallon WK, Viccellio A. Emergency department overcrowding: evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. Rev Med Clin Condes. 2017; 28(2) 213-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-664-4-67
http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-66...
.

Among the health professionals authorized to conduct the risk classification process, after proper training, are the nurses. In a brief nursing consultation, the situation of the patient is evaluated through a physical examination focused on the complaints, personal history, and vital signs based on established protocols. After this process, the patient is informed about the estimated waiting time. When the complaint is painful, the intensity of the pain should be evaluated according to the protocol adopted at the institution55 Silva MFN, Oliveira GN, Pergola-Marconato AM, Marconato RS, Bargas EB, Araujo IEM. Assessment and risk classification protocol for patients in emergency units. Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem. [Internet].2014 [cited Aug 1, 2016];22(2):218-25. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rlae/v22n2/pt_0104-1169-rlae-22-02-00218.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rlae/v22n2/pt_0...
.

Pain is a symptomatic response of the organism, being a relevant sign at the moment of the evaluation. The search for emergency services is motivated by painful complaints which can be perceived in different ways. Thus, nurses must be aware of the time of their evaluation to provide the best care66 Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 10:2479-88. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S138850
https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850...
.

Pain is defined by the American Pain Society as the fifth vital sign, and should be assessed along with temperature, respiratory rate, pulse and blood pressure. Its evaluation helps to diagnose the problem presented by the patients66 Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 10:2479-88. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S138850
https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850...
. Nurses should investigate pain and use of instruments to assist in its measurement, as well as in the response to analgesia. Pain relief provides comfort and well-being to the individuals and promotes health during hospitalization or at home77 Song W, Eaton LH, Gordon DB, Hoyle C, Doorenbos AZ. Evaluation of Evidence-based Nursing Pain Management Practice. Pain Manag Nurs. 2015;16(4):456-63. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2014.09.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2014.09.00...
.

Pain in the ES, in most cases, is acute and may be related to trauma or inflammatory processes66 Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 10:2479-88. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S138850
https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850...
. Inadequate management of pain can cause problems such as increased blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate, resulting in worsening of the patients’ condition66 Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 10:2479-88. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S138850
https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850...
.

Some obstacles have been identified in the evaluation of painful complaints of patients in Risk Classification, including the patients’ impaired ability to reliably report pain due to altered emotional state, anxiety due to the affected physical and mental state, and the type of approach by the professionals, because technical language sometimes makes it difficult for the patients to understand what is said. In addition, in ESs, there are many tasks to be performed in a short period of time as a result of the excessive flow of patients and need for fast care measures that can lead to an impaired evaluation of pain as a vital sign66 Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 10:2479-88. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S138850
https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850...
.s

The management of pain in Emergency Services is complex because of its subjectivity, and still remains a challenge. The quality of safe and effective care can avoid complications resulting from prolonged pain, as well as provide the patient with greater comfort in the care in these places88 Silva A, Reis AL. Triple aim: a strategy for health systems transformation. Revista ACRED. [Internet]. 2016 [cited Jan 7, 2017]; 6(11):109-23. Available from:http://cbacred.tempsite.ws/ojs/index.php/Acred01/article/view/240/283
http://cbacred.tempsite.ws/ojs/index.php...
.

The objective of this study was to correlate the risk classification categories with the level of pain of patients in an emergency service. The secondary objective was to correlate the degree of pain with sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, medical specialty, and signs and symptoms presented by patients who sought emergency care.

Method

This is a cross-sectional study with quantitative analysis carried out in the sector of Risk Classification of the Emergency Service of the Hospital of São Paulo (HSP), a public university institution of high complexity located in the South Zone of São Paulo.

RRAC works 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is performed by nurses who make a brief nursing consultation in which the patients are classified and given colors according to severity categories. The RRAC protocol used at the Hospital of São Paulo was developed at the institution and is based on the protocol of the Ministry of Health, but uses five severity categories (colors)11 Saway R, Valenzuela R, Shoenberger JM, Mallon WK, Viccellio A. Emergency department overcrowding: evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. Rev Med Clin Condes. 2017; 28(2) 213-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-664-4-67
http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-66...
. The colors used and the recommended times are: red (immediate care), orange (care up to 10 minutes), yellow (care up to 60 minutes), green (care up to 120 minutes) and blue (care up to 240 minutes); after classification, patients are referred to clinical (medical clinic, neurology and psychiatry) or surgical (general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, otorhinolaryngology and orthopedics) Specialties. The classification to pediatrics and ophthalmology is done by specialist physicians. This information is recorded in the reception sheet and stored in the information system of the institution.

The sample consisted of 611 digitized records of the patients over 18 years of age attended at the RRAC during the months of April to June 2014, as part of a master’s project approved under the CAEE: 05739412910015505. Inclusion criteria were all records of patients over the age of 18 attended in the proposed period. Incomplete or illegible records were excluded. Considering that this study was observational and the collection of patient data was done by means of electronic medical records, not causing any type of interference in the sector or on patient care, the study was exempted from the need to request informed consent forms, when the project was approved. Access to data took place through the Hospital Management System of the Information Technology Department - HSP, after authorization. The patient data analyzed were age, sex, comorbidities, duration of the complaint, medical specialty, signs and symptoms, outcome, color attributed in the risk classification and pain grade according to a numerical scale (NS) varying as follows: without pain (0); mild pain (1 - 4); moderate pain (5-7) and severe pain (8-10)99 Daoust R, Beaulieu P, Manzini C, Chauny JM, Lavigne G. Estimation of pain intensity in emergency medicine: a validation study. J Pain. 2008;138:565-70. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2008.02.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2008.02.0...
.

The software used for analysis was the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 19. Descriptive analysis was used for sociodemographic characterization, color attributed in the risk classification, duration of the complaint and comorbidities. For the continuous variables, we calculated the mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum and for categorical variables, frequencies and percentages. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare pain intensity with age. Pain intensity was correlated with sex, signs and symptoms, history of cancer, category of risk classification and medical specialty using the Chi-Square test and when necessary the Likelihood Ratio test. A significance level of 5% (p-value < 0.05) was adopted.

Results

Among the 611 patient records analyzed in this study, the mean age was 42.1 (17.84) years; the majority were women 366 (59.9%); and the duration of complaint to receive care ranged from 1 to 365 days. Patients were classified in risk classification categories as follows: green (58.9%); yellow (22.7%); orange (7.9%); blue (5.9%) and red (4.6%). Most of them were attended by medical specialties of medical clinic (37.3%), orthopedics (16%) and surgery (13.4%); the majority was discharged (91.5%). The prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (18.3%) and diabetes mellitus (7.1%). The more prevalent symptoms were respiratory symptoms (14.4%) and pain (46.3%). Patients who were asked about pain reported no pain (37.6%), and mild (12.1%), moderate (25.9%) and intense (24.4%) pain.

Patients with no pain had a significantly higher age than those with moderate pain, with men presenting a higher percentage of absence of pain while women had more often intense pain (Table 1).

Table 1
Comparison of pain intensity according to age, sex, risk classification category and medical care specialty of the population studied. São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 2014

Patients classified in the red category had a higher percentage of absence of pain, whereas patients classified as green, yellow and orange had severe pain and those as blue had mild pain (Table 1).

Patients attended by psychiatry presented a higher percentage of absence of pain and those attended by orthopedics, of intense pain (Table 1).

In relation to signs and symptoms, patients with respiratory symptoms had a higher percentage of absence of pain, while those without these symptoms had a greater percentage of intense pain (Table 2).

Table 2
Comparison of pain intensity according to signs and symptoms presented by patients in the RRAC*. São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 2014

Patients who were not able to move their bodies and those with psychiatric and neurological symptoms had a higher percentage of absence of pain, while those with an inability to move part of the body had a higher percentage of moderate and intense pain (Table 2).

Patients who reported nausea had a higher percentage of intense pain, and those without nausea had a higher percentage of absence of pain and moderate pain (Table 2).

Patients with neoplasias (n = 25) had a higher percentage of absence of pain (n = 12, 48%) and intense pain (n = 10, 40%) (p = 0.0372).

Discussion

The demand for urgent care has increased and most patients report pain at the time of RRAC. Based on this complaint, resources are used to classify and organize the priorities of these patients. Pain is one of the main reasons that can generate inabilities and cause human suffering, impacts the quality of life, and can generate psychosocial and economic repercussions1010 Silva JS, Cruz TAF, Ribeiro CJN, Santos VS, Alves JAB, Ribeiro MCO. Pain in patients attended at risk classification of an emergency service. Rev Dor. [Internet].2016 [cited Jan 2, 2017];17(1):34-8. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806-0013-rdor-17-01-0034.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806...
.

In this study, women predominated in the demand for Emergency Service in relation to men Some factors that may explain this is the resistance of men to seek health care due to societal taboos and gender-related sociocultural factors in which diseases are considered a sign of fragility and the search for medical services, a demonstration of weakness1111 Sederholm Lawesson S, Isaksson RM, Ericsson M, Ängerud K, Thylén I, SymTime Study Group. Gender disparities in first medical contact and delay in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a prospective multicentre Swedish survey study. BMJ Open. 2018;8:e020211. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2017-020211
https://doi.org/10.1136/...
.

In the risk classification categories, the majority of patients were classified as green (58.9%), followed by yellow (22.7%), orange (7.9%), blue (5.9% ) and red (4.6%), a similar result to another national study conducted in a public hospital in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in which low complexity patients were also the majority1212 Guedes HM , Martins JCA, Chianca TCM. Predictive value of the Manchester Triage System: evaluation of patients' clinical outcomes. Rev Bras Enferm. [Internet].2015 [cited Jun 5, 2018]; 68(1):40-5. Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/reben/v68n1/en_0034-7167-reben-68-01-0045.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/reben/v68n1/en_...
. Thus, as already described in another study, one of the causes of overcrowding in ESs is the presence of less urgent cases that could be solved in primary health care11 Saway R, Valenzuela R, Shoenberger JM, Mallon WK, Viccellio A. Emergency department overcrowding: evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. Rev Med Clin Condes. 2017; 28(2) 213-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-664-4-67
http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-66...
.

Hospital discharge (91.5%) was the most frequent outcome in this study, as well as of another study conducted in a public hospital in Minas Gerais that observed the relationship between risk classification, mortality and hospital stay. When the risk classification category attributed to patients was less severe, the chance of hospital discharge was greater1313 Gonçales PC, Junior DP, Salgado PO, Chianca TCM. Relationship between risk stratification in emergency medical services, mortality and hospital length of stay. Invest Educ Enferm. [Internet].2015 [cited Mar 6, 2016];33(3):424-31. Available from: http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/iee/v33n3/v33n3a05.pdf
http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/iee/v33n3/v...
. This condition reinforces the need to strengthen managerial strategies in order to improve care according to the models of networked services.

As for comorbidities, hypertension (18.3%) and diabetes mellitus (7.1%) predominated, reflecting the high prevalence of these diseases in the general population1414 Guariguata L, Whiting DR, Hambleton I, Beagley J, Linnenkamp U, Shaw JE. Global estimates of diabetes prevalence for 2013 and projections for 2035. Diabetes Res Clin Practice. 2014; 103 (2): 137-49. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2013.11.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2013.1...
-1515 Mills KT, Bundy JD, Kelly TN, Reed JE, Kearney PM, Reynolds K, et al. Global Disparities of Hypertension Prevalence and Control: A Systematic Analysis of Population Based Studies From 90 Countries. Circulation. 2016; 134: 441-50. Doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.018912
https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.1...
. It is known that these comorbidities are considered risk factors for several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, and can subsequently cause important health problems, as well as an increased demand in Emergency Services1616 Moura JRA, Guimaraes MR, Teixeira SEXM, Carvalho EL, Machado ALG, Silva ARV. Lipid profile of university and association with cardiovascular risk. Rev Enferm UFPI. [Internet].2017 [cited Jun 21, 2017];6(1):40-6. Available from:http://www.ojs.ufpi.br/index.php/reufpi/article/viewFile/5841/pdf
http://www.ojs.ufpi.br/index.php/reufpi/...
.

In the present study, the symptoms that most motivated the search for the service were pain (46.3%) and respiratory symptoms (14.4%). Similar results were found in two other national studies evaluating patients’ complaints according to the risk classification protocol33 Guedes HM, Souza KM, Lima PO, Martins JCA, Chianca TCM. Relationship between complaints presented by emergency patients and the final outcome. Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem. [Internet].2015 Jul/Aug [cited Feb 3, 2016];23(4):587-94. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-11692015000400587&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=s...
. The high percentage of complaints of pain may be related to the large number of patients who seek care in the specialty of medical clinic, mostly due to oncological and orthopedic diseases. Musculoskeletal diseases, that are a global health problem, commonly involve acute and chronic pain1717 Briggs AM, Cross MJ, Hoy DG, Sànchez-Riera L, Blyth FM, Woolf AD, et al. Musculoskeletal Health Conditions Represent a Global Threat to Healthy Aging: A Report for the 2015 World Health Organization World Report on Ageing and Health. Gerontologist. 2016; 56(2):43-55. doi:10.1093/geront/gnw002
https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw002...
.

Regarding the intensity of pain reported by the patients in this study, the majority reported no pain (37.6%), and the rest, moderate (25.9%), intense (24.4%) and mild (12.1%) pain. A similar study performed in a public hospital in Aracajú found prevalence of intense (53.7%) and moderate (36.6%) pain, concluding that pain intensity was related to the main reason for seeking emergency care1010 Silva JS, Cruz TAF, Ribeiro CJN, Santos VS, Alves JAB, Ribeiro MCO. Pain in patients attended at risk classification of an emergency service. Rev Dor. [Internet].2016 [cited Jan 2, 2017];17(1):34-8. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806-0013-rdor-17-01-0034.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806...
. Although pain is one of the main reasons for seeking emergency care and despite the existence of scales to assess its intensity, few professionals use these tools during care77 Song W, Eaton LH, Gordon DB, Hoyle C, Doorenbos AZ. Evaluation of Evidence-based Nursing Pain Management Practice. Pain Manag Nurs. 2015;16(4):456-63. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2014.09.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2014.09.00...
. A study that evaluated the knowledge of nurses about pain showed that 73.3% never participated in a training on pain assessment and that their knowledge about pain management was medium1818 Alzghoul BI, Abdullah NA. Pain Management Practices by Nurses: An Application of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Model. Glob J Health Sci. 2015;8(6):154-60. doi:10.5539/gjhs.v8n6p154
https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v8n6p154...
. This shows the importance of nurses to develop skills to make a complete evaluation of complaints, without underestimating the patients’ pain that can often be indicative of the severity of his health condition1010 Silva JS, Cruz TAF, Ribeiro CJN, Santos VS, Alves JAB, Ribeiro MCO. Pain in patients attended at risk classification of an emergency service. Rev Dor. [Internet].2016 [cited Jan 2, 2017];17(1):34-8. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806-0013-rdor-17-01-0034.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806...
.

Participants in this study who did not present pain were significantly older than those with moderate pain. A study carried out in an Emergency Service in Aracajú showed that patients with moderate pain complaints were younger than those who did not present pain, corroborating the results of the present study1010 Silva JS, Cruz TAF, Ribeiro CJN, Santos VS, Alves JAB, Ribeiro MCO. Pain in patients attended at risk classification of an emergency service. Rev Dor. [Internet].2016 [cited Jan 2, 2017];17(1):34-8. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806-0013-rdor-17-01-0034.pdf
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806...
. Studies show that age is a factor that may modify the experience of the patient regarding pain and the effect of aging may make them less sensitive to painful stimuli1919 Sousa-Munõz RL, Nogueira GF, Filho ENF. Perception of pain in elderly and young adults: clinical diversity in multidimensional evaluation of painful experience. Rev Bras Med. 2014 [cited Jun 10, 2017];71(9). Available from:http://www.moreirajr.com.br/revistas.asp?fase=r003&id_materia=5928
http://www.moreirajr.com.br/revistas.asp...
.

Male patients had a higher percentage of absence of pain, while female patients had a higher percentage of intense pain. Pain is a personal and subjective experience, not only resulting from characteristics of tissue injury, but also integrating individual emotional and cultural factors77 Song W, Eaton LH, Gordon DB, Hoyle C, Doorenbos AZ. Evaluation of Evidence-based Nursing Pain Management Practice. Pain Manag Nurs. 2015;16(4):456-63. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2014.09.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2014.09.00...
.

The patients in this study classified in the red category did not complain of pain. This is due in part to the fact that patients classified as red are at high risk of death and their pain assessment may be impaired due to prioritization of care, which is started even before the patient is registered in the hospital(10, 12). Furthermore, it is common for severe patients to present altered consciousness, what prevents pain assessment2020 Suzuki T. Does the combination use of two pain assessment tools have a synergistic effect? J Intensive Care. 2017; 5:1. doi: 10.1186/s40560-016-0195-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40560-016-0195-...
.

Patients classified as green, yellow and orange had a higher percentage of intense pain. The process of pain recognition informed at the moment of assessment is subjective and individual and may influence the risk category attributed to the patient2121 Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 16(10):2479-88. doi: https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2147/...
. In this study, patients classified in the green category reported severe pain. However, the existing classification protocols place higher intensity pain complaints as criteria of greater severity of the health status, because they generate physiological repercussions such as increased blood pressure, tachypnea, tachycardia, nausea, as observed in our study, among others. It is up to nurses to determine, by means of their perceptions, the proper category and waiting time to provide care for the patient2121 Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 16(10):2479-88. doi: https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2147/...
.

Pain is a common symptom presented in ESs. Although it is often underestimated, poorly assessed and treated, priority judgment often may not be appropriate in that situation. The nurses’ ability for not to interfere in the report of the pain intensity is still an obstacle to be faced. The application of a protocol for the adequate management of pain by the nurses can avoid delays in the treatment with analgesics and improve the quality of patient care2121 Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 16(10):2479-88. doi: https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2147/...
.

Patients attended by the medical specialty of psychiatry had a higher percentage of absence of pain. This result can be explained by the fact that pain evaluation involves the identification of the disease, etiologic factor, onset, duration, distribution, triggering and attenuating factors, quality and intensity of pain, as well as sensorial tests. In patients with an altered mental status, such condition may influence the evaluation of other signs and symptoms, requiring a differentiated assessment and individualized treatment, often difficult to perform in the ES due to the imminent risk situation2222 Perissinotti DMN, Portnoi AG. Psychobehavioral and psychosocial aspects of neuropathic pain patients. Rev Dor. 2016;17(1):79-84.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1806-0013.20160055
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.593...
. Orthopedic patients had a higher percentage of intense pain; this result was already expected because musculoskeletal pain is the main cause of pain in the population1717 Briggs AM, Cross MJ, Hoy DG, Sànchez-Riera L, Blyth FM, Woolf AD, et al. Musculoskeletal Health Conditions Represent a Global Threat to Healthy Aging: A Report for the 2015 World Health Organization World Report on Ageing and Health. Gerontologist. 2016; 56(2):43-55. doi:10.1093/geront/gnw002
https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw002...
.

In this study, patients with respiratory symptoms had a higher percentage of absence of pain, while those who did not present respiratory symptoms presented a higher percentage of intense pain. Respiratory problems are frequent reasons for seeking ESs, are often not associated with significant pain symptoms; and determine situations of imminent risk of death. In these cases, the patients’ perception of pain may be impaired by respiratory discomfort and sometimes by the need for analgesia and sedation to obtain a patent airway and make it possible the use of mechanical ventilation2323 Mosier JM, Hypes C, Joshi R, Whitmore S, Parthasarathy S, Cairns CB. Ventilator strategies and rescue therapies for management of acute respiratory failure in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med. 2015;66:529-41.doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.04.030
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/...
.

The absence of pain was more frequent in patients who did not present inability to move part of the body, while those with disability had a higher percentage of moderate and intense pain. Persistent pain and impaired mobility and function are conditions commonly associated with musculoskeletal problems. There is a close relationship between painful musculoskeletal conditions and inability or reduced ability to move or perform some kind of physical activity resulting in functional decline, loss of independence and poor quality of life. For these individuals, not only the usual analgesic treatment should be adopted, but also an individualized rehabilitation program1717 Briggs AM, Cross MJ, Hoy DG, Sànchez-Riera L, Blyth FM, Woolf AD, et al. Musculoskeletal Health Conditions Represent a Global Threat to Healthy Aging: A Report for the 2015 World Health Organization World Report on Ageing and Health. Gerontologist. 2016; 56(2):43-55. doi:10.1093/geront/gnw002
https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw002...
.

Patients with psychiatric and neurological symptoms presented higher percentage of absence pain while individuals without psychiatric and neurological symptoms presented moderate and intense pain. Physical, mental, psychological, behavioral and even social problems can play an important role in the perception of pain and the reactions before it, interfering in the central neuro-modulation of afferent stimuli. Different approaches, including psychological ones, have a great impact on the understanding and treatment of these individuals. Such patients often require further evaluation and therapy to obtain better results, as these disorders may exacerbate or adversely affect pain perception and therapeutic response2222 Perissinotti DMN, Portnoi AG. Psychobehavioral and psychosocial aspects of neuropathic pain patients. Rev Dor. 2016;17(1):79-84.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1806-0013.20160055
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.593...
.

Patients with nausea presented, in most cases, severe pain. This finding may be related to the malaise that nausea causes, often leading to puke, causing the muscles in the abdominal wall and chest to contract, and consequently producing pain. These symptoms, too, may accompany a complex variety of gastrointestinal organic disorders and systemic diseases that may have pain as a consequence2424 Stübe M, Cruz CT, Benetti ERR, Gomes JS, Stumm EMF. Perceptions of Nurses and Pain Management of Cancer Patients. Rev Min Enferm. 2015;19(3):704-10. doi: http://www.dx.doi.org/10.5935/1415-2762.20150053
https://doi.org/http://www.dx.doi.org/10...
. In addition, medications commonly used for pain control such as opioid analgesics often cause nausea as a side effect2525 Kraychete DC, Garcia JBS, Siqueira JTT e Grupo de Especialistas. Recommendations for the use of opioids in Brazil: Part IV. Adverse opioid effects. Rev Dor. 2014; 15(3):215-23. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1806-0013.20140047
https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.593...
.

Pain in cancer patients ranged from absence (48%) to severe (40%) intensity. This complaint may vary according to the stage of the disease, and studies show that 90% of patients in advanced stages of cancer feel more intense pain2424 Stübe M, Cruz CT, Benetti ERR, Gomes JS, Stumm EMF. Perceptions of Nurses and Pain Management of Cancer Patients. Rev Min Enferm. 2015;19(3):704-10. doi: http://www.dx.doi.org/10.5935/1415-2762.20150053
https://doi.org/http://www.dx.doi.org/10...
. The control of cancer pain can be difficult and pain is often the final result of a process involving emotional, spiritual, cognitive and sensory aspects. Pain, in these cases, may be associated with disease progression and cause hopelessness and fear in the patients; these cases require a careful and differentiated approach to pain management2626 Yang Z, Yang R, Kwak MJ, Qdaisat A, Lin J, Begley CE, et al. (2018) Oncologic emergencies in a cancer center emergency department and in general emergency departments countywide and nationwide. PLoS ONE. 13(2): e0191658. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191658
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.019...
.

The limitations of this study were its realization in a single center, collection of data from medical records which were often incomplete and illegible and use of RRAC protocol with adaptations to the needs of the Institution limiting the comparison with other studies.

This study may contribute to practice insofar as its findings demonstrate the importance of professionals working in RRAC to be able to use pain intensity scales because this symptom is an individual and subjective experience, and its identification may influence the category of severity attributed and the experience of the patients regarding the quality of care received.

Since pain is one of the main reasons for seeking ESs, it is paramount that nurses have knowledge about it. In most cases, nurses are the professionals responsible for the first care measures and they define the flow of the patients in the service. All patients have the right to express their pain and receive treatment for this complaint, and the nurses and the multiprofessional team must implement effective strategies to relieve pain avoiding deleterious effects resulting from this symptom and providing patients with humanized care.

Conclusion

In this study, the pain intensity reported by patients was most frequently of moderate intensity. The association of pain with the risk classification categories showed that patients classified in the red color showed, in most cases, absence of pain; those classified in the blue color had mild pain; and those classified in the green, yellow and orange colors had severe pain.

References

  • 1
    Saway R, Valenzuela R, Shoenberger JM, Mallon WK, Viccellio A. Emergency department overcrowding: evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. Rev Med Clin Condes. 2017; 28(2) 213-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-664-4-67
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-664-4-67
  • 2
    Mirandola AR, Bós AJG. Relationship between physical function and decision-making capacity in oldest-old. Pajar. 2015;3(2):53-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15448/2357-9641.2015.2.22532
    » https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.15448/2357-9641.2015.2.22532
  • 3
    Guedes HM, Souza KM, Lima PO, Martins JCA, Chianca TCM. Relationship between complaints presented by emergency patients and the final outcome. Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem. [Internet].2015 Jul/Aug [cited Feb 3, 2016];23(4):587-94. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-11692015000400587&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
    » http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-11692015000400587&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
  • 4
    Souza CC, Araújo FA, Chianca TCM. Scientific literature on the reliability and validity of the manchester triage system (MTS) protocol: A integrative literature review. Rev Esc Enferm USP. [Internet].2015 [cited Feb 9, 2016];49(1):144-51. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0080-62342015000100144&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
    » http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0080-62342015000100144&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
  • 5
    Silva MFN, Oliveira GN, Pergola-Marconato AM, Marconato RS, Bargas EB, Araujo IEM. Assessment and risk classification protocol for patients in emergency units. Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem. [Internet].2014 [cited Aug 1, 2016];22(2):218-25. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rlae/v22n2/pt_0104-1169-rlae-22-02-00218.pdf
    » http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rlae/v22n2/pt_0104-1169-rlae-22-02-00218.pdf
  • 6
    Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 10:2479-88. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S138850
    » https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850
  • 7
    Song W, Eaton LH, Gordon DB, Hoyle C, Doorenbos AZ. Evaluation of Evidence-based Nursing Pain Management Practice. Pain Manag Nurs. 2015;16(4):456-63. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2014.09.001
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2014.09.001
  • 8
    Silva A, Reis AL. Triple aim: a strategy for health systems transformation. Revista ACRED. [Internet]. 2016 [cited Jan 7, 2017]; 6(11):109-23. Available from:http://cbacred.tempsite.ws/ojs/index.php/Acred01/article/view/240/283
    » http://cbacred.tempsite.ws/ojs/index.php/Acred01/article/view/240/283
  • 9
    Daoust R, Beaulieu P, Manzini C, Chauny JM, Lavigne G. Estimation of pain intensity in emergency medicine: a validation study. J Pain. 2008;138:565-70. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2008.02.007
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2008.02.007
  • 10
    Silva JS, Cruz TAF, Ribeiro CJN, Santos VS, Alves JAB, Ribeiro MCO. Pain in patients attended at risk classification of an emergency service. Rev Dor. [Internet].2016 [cited Jan 2, 2017];17(1):34-8. Available from:http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806-0013-rdor-17-01-0034.pdf
    » http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rdor/v17n1/1806-0013-rdor-17-01-0034.pdf
  • 11
    Sederholm Lawesson S, Isaksson RM, Ericsson M, Ängerud K, Thylén I, SymTime Study Group. Gender disparities in first medical contact and delay in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a prospective multicentre Swedish survey study. BMJ Open. 2018;8:e020211. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2017-020211
    » https://doi.org/10.1136/
  • 12
    Guedes HM , Martins JCA, Chianca TCM. Predictive value of the Manchester Triage System: evaluation of patients' clinical outcomes. Rev Bras Enferm. [Internet].2015 [cited Jun 5, 2018]; 68(1):40-5. Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/reben/v68n1/en_0034-7167-reben-68-01-0045.pdf
    » http://www.scielo.br/pdf/reben/v68n1/en_0034-7167-reben-68-01-0045.pdf
  • 13
    Gonçales PC, Junior DP, Salgado PO, Chianca TCM. Relationship between risk stratification in emergency medical services, mortality and hospital length of stay. Invest Educ Enferm. [Internet].2015 [cited Mar 6, 2016];33(3):424-31. Available from: http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/iee/v33n3/v33n3a05.pdf
    » http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/iee/v33n3/v33n3a05.pdf
  • 14
    Guariguata L, Whiting DR, Hambleton I, Beagley J, Linnenkamp U, Shaw JE. Global estimates of diabetes prevalence for 2013 and projections for 2035. Diabetes Res Clin Practice. 2014; 103 (2): 137-49. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2013.11.002
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2013.11.002
  • 15
    Mills KT, Bundy JD, Kelly TN, Reed JE, Kearney PM, Reynolds K, et al. Global Disparities of Hypertension Prevalence and Control: A Systematic Analysis of Population Based Studies From 90 Countries. Circulation. 2016; 134: 441-50. Doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.018912
    » https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.018912
  • 16
    Moura JRA, Guimaraes MR, Teixeira SEXM, Carvalho EL, Machado ALG, Silva ARV. Lipid profile of university and association with cardiovascular risk. Rev Enferm UFPI. [Internet].2017 [cited Jun 21, 2017];6(1):40-6. Available from:http://www.ojs.ufpi.br/index.php/reufpi/article/viewFile/5841/pdf
    » http://www.ojs.ufpi.br/index.php/reufpi/article/viewFile/5841/pdf
  • 17
    Briggs AM, Cross MJ, Hoy DG, Sànchez-Riera L, Blyth FM, Woolf AD, et al. Musculoskeletal Health Conditions Represent a Global Threat to Healthy Aging: A Report for the 2015 World Health Organization World Report on Ageing and Health. Gerontologist. 2016; 56(2):43-55. doi:10.1093/geront/gnw002
    » https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw002
  • 18
    Alzghoul BI, Abdullah NA. Pain Management Practices by Nurses: An Application of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Model. Glob J Health Sci. 2015;8(6):154-60. doi:10.5539/gjhs.v8n6p154
    » https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v8n6p154
  • 19
    Sousa-Munõz RL, Nogueira GF, Filho ENF. Perception of pain in elderly and young adults: clinical diversity in multidimensional evaluation of painful experience. Rev Bras Med. 2014 [cited Jun 10, 2017];71(9). Available from:http://www.moreirajr.com.br/revistas.asp?fase=r003&id_materia=5928
    » http://www.moreirajr.com.br/revistas.asp?fase=r003&id_materia=5928
  • 20
    Suzuki T. Does the combination use of two pain assessment tools have a synergistic effect? J Intensive Care. 2017; 5:1. doi: 10.1186/s40560-016-0195-7
    » https://doi.org/10.1186/s40560-016-0195-7
  • 21
    Butti L, Bierti O, Lanfrit R, Bertolini R, Chittaro S, Delli Compagni S, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage emergency department nursing protocol for the management of pain. J Pain Res. 2017; 16(10):2479-88. doi: https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850
    » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S138850
  • 22
    Perissinotti DMN, Portnoi AG. Psychobehavioral and psychosocial aspects of neuropathic pain patients. Rev Dor. 2016;17(1):79-84.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1806-0013.20160055
    » https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1806-0013.20160055
  • 23
    Mosier JM, Hypes C, Joshi R, Whitmore S, Parthasarathy S, Cairns CB. Ventilator strategies and rescue therapies for management of acute respiratory failure in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med. 2015;66:529-41.doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.04.030
    » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.04.030
  • 24
    Stübe M, Cruz CT, Benetti ERR, Gomes JS, Stumm EMF. Perceptions of Nurses and Pain Management of Cancer Patients. Rev Min Enferm. 2015;19(3):704-10. doi: http://www.dx.doi.org/10.5935/1415-2762.20150053
    » https://doi.org/http://www.dx.doi.org/10.5935/1415-2762.20150053
  • 25
    Kraychete DC, Garcia JBS, Siqueira JTT e Grupo de Especialistas. Recommendations for the use of opioids in Brazil: Part IV. Adverse opioid effects. Rev Dor. 2014; 15(3):215-23. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1806-0013.20140047
    » https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1806-0013.20140047
  • 26
    Yang Z, Yang R, Kwak MJ, Qdaisat A, Lin J, Begley CE, et al. (2018) Oncologic emergencies in a cancer center emergency department and in general emergency departments countywide and nationwide. PLoS ONE. 13(2): e0191658. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191658
    » https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191658
  • *
    Supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil, grant #121915/2016-6.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    2018

History

  • Received
    20 Aug 2017
  • Accepted
    13 Aug 2018
Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto / Universidade de São Paulo Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14040-902 Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil, Tel.: +55 (16) 3315-3451 / 3315-4407 - Ribeirão Preto - SP - Brazil
E-mail: rlae@eerp.usp.br