Delphi Study: ASPAN Adult Patient Pain and Comfort Practices.

PURPOSE:The American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) is responsible for establishing evidence-based standards to guide perianesthesia nursing practice. The ASPAN model for evidence-based practice acknowledges the potential for the Delphi technique to identify priorities for perianesthesia research. The purpose of this Delphi study was to generate a consensus on pain and comfort among a panel of experts.DESIGN:ASPAN convened a panel of experts to provide recommendations based on seven categories, this led to the development of a questionnaire to build consensus.METHODS:Survey conducted among panel of experts to obtain consensus. Two survey rounds were completed.FINDINGS:A consensus was obtained reaching a 70% benchmark for an acceptance.CONCLUSIONS:The results found a consensus on topics required for education and competency among perianesthesia nurses including transfer and discharge criteria related to pain and comfort, resources for perianesthesia nurses, policy guidelines, and the management of the special needs of perianesthesia patients.