The documentation of pain intensity and its influences on care in the emergency department.

Background: Assessment and reassessment of self reported pain intensity scores form the basis of acute pain care in the emergency deprtment (ED), however are frequently undocumented. The effects of not documenting pain assessments on time to first analgesic medication (TTA) and ED length of stay (EDLOS) are unknown.

Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study to investigate the association between documented evidence of pain intensity scores, TTA and EDLOS in the ED.

The relationship between time to analgesic administration and emergency department length of stay: A retrospective review.

Aim: To determine the association between time to first analgesic medication and emergency department length of stay (ED LOS).

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Method: We conducted this study in a large, inner-city emergency department and included adult patients who presented with pain as a symptom and received analgesic medication(s).