Recognising the importance of language in effective pain assessment
Resource
Exclusive quality-assured learning resource
Online
Available to RCNi Plus subscribers
Applicable for any nurse with an RCNi subscription
Pain is a highly personal experience that can be challenging to define. In addition, evidence has indicated that the assessment of pain by healthcare professionals is often suboptimal and its severity often underestimated. In clinical practice, the use of language can be a significant influencing factor in the effective management of pain, with terms such as pain, discomfort and comfort used interchangeably. This article explores how language can both act as a barrier to, and assist, nurses to understand the patient’s pain experience.
Who is this resource for?
This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.
Authors
Related courses and resources
;
;
;
;Downloaded content date
PDF created on: 12 Sept 2025.
Downloaded from: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk/Search/e11563-recognising-the-importance-of-language-in-eff.
Please check: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk for a more up-to-date version of this content.