Using technology to pinpoint pain

1 July 2019

1 Jul 2019

VMCH is rolling out a new method of pain assessment for aged care residents who can no longer express their levels of pain verbally.

The new pain assessment will be a technology–based solution called PainChek®, which replaces the existing assessment tool called the “Abbey Pain Scale”.

VMCH is funding the rollout of the program ahead of the Federal Government’s investment of $5M to facilitate the implementation of PainChek® across Australian Aged Care Residences.

Three VMCH aged care residences completed a trial of PainChek® in late 2018, with positive outcomes. The organisation is now rolling out the assessment tool across all 12 VMCH aged care residences.

PainChek® is a Therapeutic Goods Administration registered medical device for the assessment of pain. The system works through scanning the resident’s face – like taking a picture. This maps the micro muscles of the resident’s face which looks for expressions of pain when they are unable to verbally express their levels of discomfort.

Staff also complete assessments on vocalisations, movements, behaviours, activity and the body to complete the evaluation.

VMCH Clinical Manager Jeffrey Brooks says VMCH is leading the way in residential aged care by implementing PainChek® across all 12 homes.

“After conducting the initial trial in 2018, we believe it is well worth the investment of funding the rollout of this program ourselves.

“We are continuing to find ways to improve the services we provide our residents, including the use of technology, and this is one more step in the right direction.”

PainChek Head of Business Development David Allsopp is thrilled about the rapid uptake and acceptance of the product at VMCH.

“After a successful trial across three homes in late 2018 we are thrilled to roll-out PainChek across all of the organisations aged care facilities. This is the first time we have gone live across 12 homes in the space of a two-week period. I believe this speaks to ease of use and acceptance of the product. We are excited about the positive impact PainChek can have on residents’ living in VMCH”.

For further information about the use of PainChek in a particular VMCH residential aged care home, please contact them directly.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.