Abstract

Pain is prevalent among residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs), but many facilities have failed to standardize pain assessment for individuals with advanced dementia. According to available literature, observational pain assessment tools are valid, reliable, and facilitate improved pain detection and management. The purpose of this project was to disseminate to nurse practitioners (NPs) working in LTCFs the current evidence about the efficacy of implementing a standardized pain assessment protocol for persons with advanced dementia. After obtaining both organizational and IRB approval, an educational program focusing on assessment and management of pain was implemented during scheduled monthly meetings with groups of NPs working for a large, managed care corporation. Pre- and post-program knowledge was evaluated using pen-and-paper format tests that assessed provider knowledge and the likelihood that NPs would disseminate to LTCF staff. Thirty-seven NPs participated in the program. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The findings demonstrated a 26.7 percent