Nursing interventions for people with chronic pain in primary care

Abstract

Introduction.

Globally, chronic pain represents a high-impact problem due to its high morbidity and associated disability. Nurses have direct contact with people who suffer from it, facilitating collaboration with the multidisciplinary team and promoting patient education. These actions allow for the identification of factors that facilitate or hinder its management and can be addressed with nursing interventions within the healthcare system.

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists or recurs for more than three months. It is one of the leading causes of consultation in adults and affects their quality of life. It generally begins as acute pain and progresses into a multifactorial and disabling condition, with physical, psychological, social, and economic impact. Unlike acute pain, it lacks a protective function and can persist without an obvious cause, making its treatment difficult. Its origin may be related to abnormal activation of the nervous system, as occurs with neuropathic pain, and genetic, hormonal, psychological, and postural factors also play a role. It is associated with insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, becoming a public health problem due to the demand placed on healthcare services. The WHO estimates that 20% of the world's population suffers from chronic pain, and Mexico has a similar prevalence. Given this situation, primary care nursing staff collaborate in the assessment, prevention, and early detection of pain using a biopsychosocial approach.

Objective.

To identify collaborative nursing care options to prevent and control acute pain, preventing its progression to chronic pain in adults.

Methods.

The study employed a qualitative documentary approach, based on a systematic and reflective literature review of nursing interventions applied at the primary care level for the management of chronic pain in adults. The information search was conducted in recognized scientific databases such as PudMed, SciELO, and Dialnet. Articles published between 2014-2025 were selected, considering inclusion criteria, full-text access, and relevance to the primary care setting. The analysis focused on identifying collaborative practices, assessment tools, educational strategies, and non-pharmacological approaches implemented by nursing staff.

Results.

Various types of nursing interventions were identified in primary care. Key findings include: Creation of a palliative care unit; Comprehensive care clinic; Dissemination of chronic pain treatment recommendations; Use of standardized assessment tools with a comprehensive biopsychosocial model; Music therapy, psychoeducation, cognitive therapy, and exercise reduce chronic pain and improve well-being.

Conclusions.

Based on the identified needs and factors, nursing diagnoses were formulated, and the following were determined as the main interventions: Education about the disease process and use of prescribed medications; Assertiveness training and coping strategies; Nutritional and self-medication education; Individualized teaching and fostering learning readiness; Professional practice in chronic pain units with comprehensive protocols aimed at strengthening patient autonomy.