This measure indicates the percentage of residents who are reported to have moderate to severe pain during the seven-day assessment period. Pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. Checking for pain and pain management are very complex.
Comparing these percentages is different from the other measures because the percentages may mean different things. Generally, a lower percentage on this measure is better. However, this isn't always true. For example, two nursing homes could provide the same quality of care and have the same number of residents with pain. However, if one of the nursing homes does a better job checking the residents for pain, they could have a higher percentage on this measure. Or, if for personal or cultural reasons, more residents in one of the nursing homes refuse to take pain medication, that nursing home's percentage would be higher. In these examples, although the percentage for one nursing home is higher, it does not mean they are not providing good care.
Residents should always be checked regularly by nursing home staff to see if they are having pain. Residents (or someone on their behalf) should let staff know if they are in pain so efforts can be made to find the cause and make the resident more comfortable. If pain is not treated, a resident may not be able to perform daily routines, may become depressed, or have an overall poor quality of life. This percentage may include some residents who are getting or have been prescribed treatment for their pain, but who refuse pain medicines or choose to take less. Some residents may choose to accept a certain level of pain so they can stay more alert.