Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this DNP Project is to implement an evidence based-team approach pain assessment protocol in a skilled nursing facility in Southwest Florida. Significance: Untreated pain is a problem currently being faced by many older adults residing in the skilled nursing facility. The presence of this pain can lead to decreased levels of independence, functional decline of activities of daily living, depression, and anxiety. With the utilization of a team approach, the issue of untreated pain has a larger chance of being addressed. Methods: A DNP project based on the approach of utilizing a team approach in the skilled nursing facility was developed. A series of education presentations was conducted, and data was compared pre- and post-intervention utilizing Centers for Medicare reported Minimum Data Set 3.0. Conclusion: The need to promote the team approach to pain assessment and management in the skilled nursing facility exists. This is done by creating a team and educating them on the methods of pain assessment. Unfortunately, the results of this DNP project were unable to show significant improvement in ability to assess or manage pain by utilizing a team approach due to the limitations in data collection. Keywords: Pain assessment, pain management, skilled nursing facility, nursing home, team approach, and multidisciplinary; BSN to DNP