A retrospective analysis of pain localizations in emergency department

Abstract

Abstract Background: Pain is a complex and difficult condition that is the most commonly reported symptom in the emergency department worldwide. To provide more effective pain management, it is very important to know the localization of the patients' pain visiting the emergency department and to define the health problems leading to the pain. Aims: To determine the localization of pain in the emergency department. Methodology: This study was examined the hospital records of 24994 patients who are admitted to a university hospital emergency department with pain between January 2018-January 2019 in Istanbul/Turkey, retrospectively. Results: 46.8% (11700) of patients were male; 53.2% (13294) of patients were female. 10.8% (2704) of patients were 18 years old and under, and 89.2% (22290) of patients were over 18 years old. The most common localization of pain to admit to the emergency department was musculoskeletal pain with 31% due to jointmuscle- bone pain, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, and myalgia. Conclusion: Pain frequently occupies the healthcare professionals in the emergency departments. In this study, it is understood the importance of increasing individual precautions and teaching symptomatic treatments to individuals in traumatic or non-traumatic musculoskeletal damage and diseases. In order to improve pain management, effective protocols are needed for the prevention and management of pain, which is a frequent cause of admission to emergency departments, especially musculoskeletal pain.