Assessment of pain in the transport environment: A review of the literature

Introduction: Critically ill or injured patients who are transported experience pain. Pain is associated with multiple adverse affects including tachycardia, hypertension, anxiety, elevated blood glucose levels, and diaphoresis. Methods: Using multiple search terms, the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and MEDLINE, databases as well as pertinent Web sites were searched for relevant information. Results: An important component of pain management is pain assessment, yet little empirically based literature is available regarding pain assessment for patients who are transported. Discussion: The purpose of this article is to review the literature regarding the transport nursing environment and barriers to pain assessment during transport.