Nurses' Perception of a Tailored Web-Based Intervention for the Self-Management of Pain After Cardiac Surgery

Pain perception of patients in intensive care unit after cardiac surgery: A qualitative study using Roy's Adaptation Model

BACKGROUND

Although research on postoperative pain has increased, postoperative pain management is still a problem today. Most patients experience moderate to severe pain after cardiac surgery. As a result of pain, patients show inefficient adaptation behaviour in physiologic, role function, self-concept, and interdependence modes.

AIM

This study was conducted to examine the pain perceptions of intensive care patients after cardiac surgery according to Roy's Adaptation Model (RAM).

STUDY DESIGN

A qualitative design with a phenomenological approach was used in the study. The research data were collected by using a "descriptive information form", a "semi-structured interview form", and the "numerical rating scale" through the "in-depth interview method". The study sample consisted of 16 patients who were aged 18 years or older, had undergone cardiac surgery, experienced pain post-operatively in the intensive care unit at least once, and had intensive care experience. Patients with neuropathic or chronic pain or neurological or psychiatric disorders were not included in the study. Data were classified into physiologic, self-concept, and interdependence modes according to RAM.

RESULTS

The themes and sub-themes that emerged included physiologic modes (pain responses), self-concept modes (pain self-management), role-function modes (effects of pain), and interdependence modes (support systems in pain).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study can enable patients and nurses to communicate effectively about pain. In future studies, the effect of model-based pain management programs on cardiac surgery patients can be investigated.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Examining the pain perceptions of intensive care patients after cardiac surgery according to RAM will guide the improvement and development of pain management. It is thought that the model addresses intensive care patients experiencing pain holistically.

Perspectives of patients, families and nurses on pain after cardiac surgery: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Post-cardiac surgery pain affects patients, family caregivers and nurses. The pain experiences of patients, caregivers and nurses remain largely unknown. Therefore, it is important to examine the experiences of patients, caregivers and nurses in depth to ensure effective pain management.

AIM

The aim of this study is to examine post-cardiac surgery pain from the perspectives of patients, caregivers and nurses.

STUDY DESIGN

A descriptive qualitative research design was used. The study was carried out in the cardiovascular surgery ward of a tertiary hospital in Türkiye between June and December 2022. The data-driven triangulation method was used in the research. The study sample consisted of eight patients who had undergone cardiac surgery in the tertiary hospital, eight family caregivers and nine nurses who provided care for these individuals. A 'semi-structured interview form' was used to collect data through face-to-face and in-depth interviews. The data were analysed using the thematic analysis method. The COREQ checklist was used for reporting the study.

RESULTS

As a result of the interviews, six themes were elicited from the data. These themes were 'explaining pain', 'assessment of pain', 'responses to pain', 'effect of pain on activities of daily living', 'expectations in painful situations' and 'pain management'.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the differences between pain perceptions and coping processes of patients who experienced pain after cardiac surgery, their caregivers and nurses.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Considering the experiences of patients, caregivers and nurses in pain management after cardiac surgery, applications that will ensure joint participation in care practices should be planned.

Needs of older persons undergoing cardiac surgery: Exploring the perceptions of nurses, patients waiting for and patients having had surgery

Aims

The purpose of this research was to identify the needs of older persons waiting for elective open‐heart surgery.

Design

A qualitative exploratory design methodology, using Focus Groups.

Methods

A purposive sampling technique was used. Three interviews were conducted with experienced nurses, individuals waiting for open‐heart surgery (≥65years) and individuals having had open‐heart surgery (≥65years); enrolling up to 17 participants from October 2019 to January 2020. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using the iteractive model and MaxQDA^® software, and EQUATOR COREQ guidelines were followed.

Results

Three themes were identified from the analysis of all three Focus Groups: (i) Needing health information; (ii) Needing emotional support; and (iii) Needing access to care.

mHealth Apps for Self-Management of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Scoping Review

The use of mHealth apps for the self-management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is an increasing trend in patient-centered care. In this research, we conduct a scoping review of mHealth apps for CVD self-management within the period 2014 to 2021. Our review revolves around six main aspects of the current status of mHealth apps for CVD self-management: main CVDs managed, main app functionalities, disease stages managed, common approaches used for data extraction, analysis, management, common wearables used for CVD detection, monitoring and/or identification, and major challenges to overcome and future work remarks. Our review is based on Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for conducting studies. Similarly, we adopted the PRISMA model for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Of the 442 works initially retrieved, the review comprised 38 primary studies. According to our results, the most common CVDs include arrhythmia (34%), heart failure (32%), and coronary heart disease (18%). Additionally, we found that the majority mHealth apps for CVD self-management can provide medical recommendations, medical appointments, reminders, and notifications for CVD monitoring. Main challenges in the use of mHealth apps for CVD self-management include overcoming patient reluctance to use the technology and achieving the interoperability of mHealth applications with other systems.

Web- and Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Prevent Chronic Pain After Cardiac Surgery: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Cardiac surgery is a frequently performed procedure. However, pain after cardiac surgery may become chronic (lasting >3 months) in adults. Once discharged from the hospital, patients are at greater risk of developing chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) and of prolonged opioid use, as they need to self-manage their pain. Psychological risk and protective factors such as pain-related catastrophic thoughts and pain acceptance determine their ability to cope and their use of opioids, which is crucial for self-management of pain. Studies on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) have multiplied their potential effects on pain acceptance and catastrophic thoughts. However, web-based MBCT for the prevention of CPSP has not yet been examined.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to pilot test a 4-week-long web-based MBCT intervention for adults following discharge from the hospital by assessing the acceptability or feasibility of the intervention and examining preliminary effects on pain intensity, pain interference with activities and opioid use, and pain acceptance and catastrophic thoughts in the 6 months following surgery.

METHODS

A double-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial will be used to assess a web-based MBCT intervention. Patients will be selected according to the following criteria: age ≥18 years; first-time elective cardiac surgery via a median sternotomy; worst pain in the past week score ≥4/10; ability to understand and complete questionnaires in English; and ability to use an electronic device such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet. After baseline measures, 32 participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving both the brief, 4-week-long web-based MBCT intervention and usual care (experimental group) and the other receiving only one standardized, web-based educational session with weekly reminders and usual care (attention control group). Peer-reviewed competitive funding was received from Florida State University's Council on Research & Creativity in January 2021, as well as research ethics approval from Florida State University's institutional review board.

RESULTS

Recruitment began in June 2021. Unfortunately, because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment is not progressing as expected. Recruitment strategies are constantly monitored and updated according to latest data and restrictions surrounding the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

This research is significant because it targets the trajectory of CPSP, a leading cause of disability and opioid misuse. This is the first study to assess MBCT for the prevention of CPSP after cardiac surgery in the recovery phase. This approach is innovative because it promotes self-management of pain through the modulation of individual factors. If successful, the intervention could be expanded to numerous populations at risk of chronic pain.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/30951.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Prevention of Chronic Pain in the Subacute Phase After Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND

Although a transitional approach promoting continuity of care is warranted to prevent chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) and opioid misuse, there is limited research examining interventions targeting the subacute phase after cardiac surgery. Contextual multi-level factors may explain this scarcity.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential implementation of a nursing intervention to prevent CPSP in the subacute phase by describing nurses' viewpoints of current barriers and facilitators.

DESIGN

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using secondary data analysis.

SETTINGS

A Web-based survey was used along with in-person interviews.

PARTICIPANTS

75 perioperative nurses.

METHODS

Qualitative data from individual interviews (n=10) and open-ended responses to a survey (n=65) regarding the intervention's acceptability were used. Content analysis was conducted using a deductive approach.

RESULTS

The introduction of nurses from various clinical settings to a new intervention allowed reflection on current practice and represented a shift toward a preventive approach. The main barrier expressed was the lack of communication and continuity of care between clinical settings. Several policy implications were outlined such as increasing the involvement of rehabilitation programs and strengthening collaboration between pain specialists and primary care providers.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on perceptions of nurses involved at different stages of the continuum, the findings provide a preliminary picture of clinical challenges and potential avenues for the prevention of CPSP in the subacute phase after cardiac surgery. An expanded pain management nursing role in primary care would allow earlier interventions and contribute to the prevention of CPSP for a tremendous number of patients undergoing surgeries.

The need for novel strategies to address postoperative pain associated with cardiac surgery: A commentary and introduction to "SMArTVIEW"

Background: With coronary heart disease affecting over 2.4 million Canadians, annual cardiac and major vascular surgery rates are on the rise. Unrelieved postoperative pain is among the top five causes of hospital readmission following surgery; little is done to address this postoperative complication. Barriers to effective pain assessment and management following cardiac and major vascular surgery have been conceptualized on patient, health care provider, and system levels. Purpose: In this commentary, we review common patient, health care provider, and system-level barriers to effective postoperative pain assessment and management following cardiac and major vascular surgery. We then outline the SMArTVIEW intervention, with particular attention to components designed to optimize postoperative pain assessment and management. Methods: In conceptualizing the SMArTVIEW intervention design, we sought to address a number of these barriers by meeting the following design objectives: (1) orchestrating a structured process for regular postoperative pain assessment and management; (2) ensuring adequate clinician preparation for postoperative pain assessment and management in the context of virtual care; and (3) enfranchising patients to become active self-managers and to work with their health care providers to manage their pain postoperatively. Conclusions: Innovative approaches to address these barriers are a current challenge to health care providers and researchers alike. SMArTVIEW is spearheading this paradigm shift within clinical research to address barriers that impair effective postoperative pain management by actively engaging health care providers and patients in an accessible format (i.e., digital health solution) to give primacy to the need of postoperative pain assessment and management following cardiac and major vascular surgery.