Patients’ Perception towards Post Operative Pain Management in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Severity of post operative pain is one of the primary factors that determine the impact of pain on a person’s overall function and sense of wellbeing. Despite increase focus on pain management, introduction of new strategy, guideline sand educational efforts, many studies reveals inadequate post operative pain management and patients were suffering from severe to intolerable pain. In this study, patients’ perception regarding post operative pain management was assessed.

Methods: A descriptive explorative study was carried out in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. The sample size was estimated based on 80% prevalence. Data were collected through purposive sampling technique from 100 respondents using American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ) through interview method and reviewing the record.

Results: The study revealed that respondant's pain intensity on first post operative day was  severe to worst, the mean score was 7.0 (2.12) than intensity on second post operative day i.e moderate to severe, mean score was 4.39 (1.56). It was associated with education and waiting time for pain medicine. Pain in past 24 hours had interfered during deep breathing and coughing exercise. Sixty five percent respondents were fully satisfied in overall pain treatment. Respondents perceived on use of prescribed pain medicine and communication in terms of pre and post operative counseling of patients will be helpful for reducing post operative pain most effectively.

Conclusion: More than half of the respondents were satisfied with post operative pain management but severity was worst in first post operative day which was affected by  education status and waiting time for pain medicine.