Pain assessment: the cornerstone to optimal pain management

Regina Fink, RN, PhD, AOCN

CME, Part 1 of 3

Target audience: All physicians

Learning objectives:

1. Understand why pain assessment is key to succesful pain management.
2. Define and explain 5 key components of the WILDA approach to pain assessment.
3. Know how to assess pain in nonverbal or cognitively impaired patients.
4. Identify patient populations requiring special consideration when planning optimal pain assessment and management.

Faculty credentials/disclosure:

Regina Fink, RN, PhD, AOCN, is a research nurse scientist at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. She has held positions as oncology and pain clinical nurse specialist. She is co-principal investigator of a National Institutes of Health grant on palliative care and speaks nationally on pain management, palliative care, and quality-of-life issues.

Before beginning this activity, download the CME instructions (.PDF file). This document also provides important information on method of physician participation, estimated time to complete the educational activity, medium used for instruction, date of release, and expiration. The quiz, evaluation form, and certification appear on this document as well.

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