Improvement in Pain Interfering with Activity
Improvement in pain interfering with activity is demonstrated by an increase in the percentage of patients who have less pain when moving around. Generally, a higher percentage on this measure is better. However, this isn't always true. Patients may refuse to take or take less of a prescribed treatment for a number of reasons. They may have cultural or religious beliefs that conflict with the treatment. Others may simply choose to accept a certain level of pain so they can stay more alert. Home health staff should ask if patients are having pain at each visit. If pain exists, the patient or caregiver should tell the staff. Staff can find and treat the cause and make the patient more comfortable. If pain is not treated, the patient may be unable to perform daiy routines, become depressed, or have overall poor quality of life.