It’s not ok to wait in pain – A collaborative implementation study to optimise paediatric pain management in the emergency department

Background Provision of timely and effective pain care for children presenting to the emergency department has challenged clinicians for several decades. Guided by our integrative review of the literature (1) and the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework (2) we designed a collaborative implementation research project to optimise paediatric pain management in the emergency department.MethodsThe Kids Pain Collaborative was established in March 2020 to co-design an evidence based bundle aimed at optimising pain management. Led by a paediatric nurse practitioner, this interdisciplinary team of committed clinicians and researchers undertook an extensive reconnaissance of pain management practice. Audit of local pain indicator data, family interviews, mapping of pain management processes and clinician stories and experiences informed the elements of the bundle. Assessment of the emergency department context and hospital environment guided our strategic implementation plan designed to inspire a culture of prioritising pain management.OutcomesImplementation of the Kids Pain Collaborative pain management bundle was achieved through strategic facilitation at mini-workshops, face to face interactive discussions, digital communication board announcements, staff surveys, discussion at handovers and interactive presentations at key interdisciplinary staff forums. Translation of the bundle into meaningful practice change was supported with internal facilitation by pain champions. Conclusions The Kids Pain Collaborative continues to lead practice change in pain management; monitoring pain indicators, providing feedback to the emergency department team, optimising pain care and supporting a culture where it’s not ok to wait in pain. This unique model for research collaboration has supported clinicians to implement practice change at a systems level, facilitate clinical innovation and embed sustainable practice change. References1. Williams S, Keogh S, Douglas C. Improving paediatric pain management in the emergency department: An integrative literature review. International Journal of Nursing Studies. 2019;94:9-20.2. Harvey G, Kitson A. Implementing evidence-based practice in healthcare: a facilitation guide. Devon, UK2015