Testing a model for person-centred pain management: A systematic review and synthesis guided by the Fundamentals of Care framework

Aims: To test a model for person-centred pain management using qualitative evidence in the literature and refine it based on the results. 

Design: A qualitative systematic review with thematic synthesis using the Fundamentals of Care framework. 

Methods and Data Sources: A literature search in February 2021 in six scientific databases: CINAHL, PsycInfo, Pubmed, Scopus, Social Science Premium Collection and Web of Science, reported using ENTREQ and PRISMA. Quality assessment was performed for the individual studies. Thematic analysis and the GRADE-CERQual approach were used in the synthesis including the assessment of confidence in the evidence. 

Results: The model was tested against the evidence in 15 studies appraised with moderate or high quality and found represented in the literature but needed to be expanded. A refined model with a moderate/high confidence level of evidence presents elements to be used in a holistic care process; The nurse is guided to establish a trusting relationship with the patient and enable communication to identify and meet pain management needs using pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. Nurse leaders are guided to support this process by providing the right contextual conditions. 

Conclusions: The strengths of the confidence level in the refined model, and that it is represented from the nurse and patient perspectives in nursing research across countries and cultures, support our recommendation for empirical evaluation. 

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: The model links the knowledge of pain management elements from individual studies together into actions to be performed in clinical practice. It also outlines the organizational support needed to make this happen. Nurses and nursing leaders are suggested to test the model to implement person-centred pain management in clinical practice. 

Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. 

Impact: What Problem Did the Study Address? There is a need to transfer available evidence of person-centred pain management into practice to relieve the patient from pain. What Were the Main Findings? Person-centred pain management is of high priority for patients and nurses around the world and can be performed in a holistic care process including patient–nurse trust and communication, supported by contextual conditions to deliver timely pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management addressing the patient's physical, psychosocial and relational care needs. Where and on Whom will the Research Have an Impact? The model is to be tested and evaluated in clinical practice to guide the providers to relieve the patient from pain. 

Reporting Method: Relevant EQUATOR guidelines were used to report the study: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement.