What practice should be instituted prior to switching to intermittent dosing of analgesics?

Prior to switching to intermittent dosing of analgesics, it is crucial to establish a baseline pain assessment. This step ensures that healthcare providers have a clear understanding of the patient's current pain level and the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment. A comprehensive pain assessment allows for better evaluation of how well the analgesics are managing pain and helps to identify the appropriate dosage and timing for the intermittent dosing schedule.

By conducting a baseline pain assessment, clinicians can make informed decisions about the transition to intermittent dosing, ensuring that any changes in the patient’s pain levels can be monitored effectively. This practice also aids in recognizing whether the new dosing strategy achieves the desired analgesic effect and helps prevent undertreatment of pain.

While increased patient monitoring is important, especially when altering medication schedules, it is not as foundational as first assessing the patient's pain levels. Continuous dosing, on the other hand, represents a different approach that may not be appropriate for all patients, especially if they demonstrate sensitivity to constant levels of medication. The administration of a different drug would typically be considered if the current medication is ineffective, rather than as a routine practice prior to switching dosing strategies.