Attitudes, beliefs, and expectations of gynecological patients toward postoperative pain and its managementt
Nimmaanrat, S.; Liabsuetrakul, T.; Uakritdathikarn, T.; Wasinwong, W.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 90(11): 2344-2351
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 18181318 Document Number: 11104
To examine the attitudes, beliefs, and expectations of gynecological patients regarding postoperative pain and management. A prospective study performed in 112 patients undergoing major gynecological surgery, using a preoperative questionnaire regarding expectations toward postoperative pain and management and a postoperative questionnaire regarding actual pain experience, attitudes, and beliefs about pain and management. The majority expected (92%) and experienced (89%) postoperative pain at moderate to very severe levels. The median visual analog scales (VAS) of expected and maximum experienced pain were 6.4 and 6 6, respectively. Ninety-eight percent reported at least moderate pain relief from the analgesics administered. Ninety-two percent were satisfied with their pain management. A significant number held misconceptions about postoperative pain and its management. Patients should be preoperatively advised regarding postoperative pain and management. Misunderstandings should be corrected to improve the quality and adequacy of postoperative pain management.
Document emailed within 1 workday
