Why you should read this article:

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To recognise the various types of pain and understand their potential effects

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To enhance awareness of developments in the pharmacological management of pain

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To provide effective pain assessment and management in specific groups, such as children and young people, and older people

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To understand the knowledge and skills required to provide optimal pain management

Effective management of acute and chronic pain is an important aspect of nursing practice. Relieving patients’ pain requires nurses to have an understanding of the latest evidence-based approaches, which will enable them to assess pain, implement appropriate management strategies and monitor their effectiveness. This article outlines the developments in evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for the pharmacological management of acute and chronic pain, including migraine, and in the use of analgesics such as opioids. It also discusses pain management in specific groups such as children and young people, and older people.