satisfaction

Pain is a common feature of a range of illnesses. Although it is perceived as a significant problem for surgical patients and those with terminal malignancy, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the prevalence of pain in general medical patients. This study set out to determine pain prevalence and the contribution of chronic pain in a teaching hospital medical unit. All wards on the medical unit were visited on three consecutive days and all eligible patients were asked to complete a questionnaire indicating occurrence and severity of pain.