An overview; the role of physicians and nurses in managing pain during interventional radiological procedures

Abstract

Aim: This review explores the collaborative roles of physicians and nurses in managing pain during interventional radiological (IR) procedures, highlighting strategies to optimize patient comfort and procedural outcomes.
Background: Interventional radiology provides minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that offer significant clinical benefits but can cause varying degrees of pain and discomfort. Effective pain management is essential to enhance patient experience, reduce anxiety, and improve procedural success. A multidisciplinary approach is critical, with physicians and nurses addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of pain.
Key Findings: Physicians play a pivotal role in developing individualized analgesic plans, employing advanced imaging techniques to minimize procedural trauma, and managing post-procedural pain through pharmacological interventions. Nurses complement these efforts by providing pre-procedural education, intra-procedural monitoring, and post-procedural holistic care, including patient education and emotional support. Non-pharmacological strategies, such as guided relaxation and positioning adjustments, further contribute to pain relief and patient satisfaction. Effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential for creating seamless pain management frameworks.
Conclusion: Managing pain during IR procedures requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the expertise of physicians and nurses. By combining tailored analgesic strategies with comprehensive nursing care, healthcare teams can ensure optimal pain control, enhance patient outcomes, and improve overall satisfaction with interventional radiological services. This collaborative framework emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care and the integration of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches in modern pain management practices.