Determinants of pain assessment documentation in intensive care units

The underassessment of pain is a major barrier to effective management, and the lack assessment documentation has been associated with negative patient outcomes. This study aimed 1) describe contextual factors related management in five Québec intensive care units (ICUs); 2) their practices; 3) identify sociodemographic clinical determinants documentation. A descriptive-correlational retrospective design was used. Sociodemographic data (i.e., age, sex), diagnosis, mechanical ventilation, level consciousness, severity illness, opioids, sedatives), assessments were extracted from 345 medical charts ICU admissions teaching hospitals between 2017 2019. Descriptive statistics multiple linear regression performed. All sites reported using 0–10 numeric rating scale, but implementation behavioural scale variable across sites. median three documented performed per 24 hr, which below minimal recommendation eight 12 hr. Overall, present 70% charts, only 20% opioid doses followed by reassessment within one hour post-administration. Higher consciousness (β = 0.37), breakthrough 0.24), lower −0.21) significant (adjusted R2 0.25). Pain suboptimal ICUs, especially for patients unable self-report or those receiving higher doses. Study findings highlight need implement tools optimize