# Care professionals’ perceptions of the use of PainChek® among people living with dementia in Scotland

## TL;DR

This study explores how care staff in Scotland perceive the use of PainChek®, a digital tool for assessing pain in people with dementia.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the practical use and perceived benefits of PainChek® in dementia care settings.

## Key findings

- Care staff found PainChek® user-friendly and effective for pain assessment in non-verbal individuals.
- Staff reported improved decision-making and more accurate pain assessments with PainChek®.
- Strong management support and training were identified as key facilitators for adopting the tool.

## Abstract

Moderate to severe dementia is characterised by cognitive decline, communication challenges, and an increased risk of comorbidities, including chronic pain, which is a critical aspect of care. In Scotland, it is estimated that 90,000 people are diagnosed with dementia, 3,000 of whom are aged under 65 years. The Scottish government has been exploring innovative technologies to improve the assessment and management of pain in dementia care.

We conducted a descriptive online survey with care staff to elicit their perceptions on the use of the digital tool PainChek®, for the assessment and management of pain in Scottish care homes as part of a wider evaluation. The study sought to ascertain the outcomes of the digital tool and novel pain assessment strategy, its impact on care, its potential for wider implementation, and the barriers and facilitators to its use. Twenty-eight care home staff who had used PainChek® completed an online survey administered via Microsoft Teams.

PainChek® was perceived by respondents as a user-friendly and effective tool for improving pain assessment and management, especially for non-verbal individuals. Staff reported improved decision-making, more accurate assessments, and a greater capacity to provide person-centred care. Reported facilitators for the adoption of PainChek® included strong management support, comprehensive training, and adequate resources. While respondents generally viewed PainChek® positively, staff were uncertain regarding its related costs.

PainChek® has the potential to improve pain assessment and management in Scottish care homes. Staff highlighted enhanced decision making, more precise pain assessment and its user-friendliness. Its compatibility with national digital strategies and electronic health records could enhance personalised pain management for individuals with dementia across Scotland. We, therefore, recommend continued engagement with staff, providing clear information on how PainChek® can boost efficiency and improve patient-centred care to encourage the continued use of the digital application.