Pain: the view of health professionals in trauma-orthopedic clinic

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the identification of pain as the fifth vital sign and its resolution by health professionals in the trauma-orthopedic clinic. Methods: Descriptive and exploratory study, of qualitative nature, with nurses, nursing technicians and doctors from a public reference institution in Pernambuco. To collect data, a semi-structured interview was used. The transcribed testimonies were evaluated by content analysis, thematic modality proposed by Bardin. Results: Four nurses, three nursing technicians and three doctors constituted the sample. Four categories emerged from the statements: 1) pain as the fifth vital sign; 2) identification and assessment of pain; 3) pain treatment and 4) pain record. Conclusion: Through the study the identification and recognition of pain as a fifth vital sign is a factor that contributes to the health and quality of life of patients, since the valuation of the individual's verbal report and early management can minimize secondary damages to this symptomatology.