Innovative Program to Prevent Pediatric Chronic Postsurgical Pain: Patient Partner Feedback on Intervention Development

BACKGROUND

The risk of developing chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) in youth is related to psychological factors, including preoperative anxiety, depression, patient/caregiver pain catastrophizing, and poor self-efficacy in managing pain. While interventions exist to address these factors, they are generally brief and educational in nature. The current paper details patient partner feedback on the development of a psychologist-delivered perioperative psychological program (PPP) designed to identify and target psychological risk factors for CPSP and improve self-efficacy in managing pain.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews were conducted with two patients and their caregivers to discuss their surgical and pain management experience and to advise on components of the PPP.

RESULTS

Reflexive thematic analysis of interviews generated the following themes, which were incorporated into the content and implementation of the PPP: caregiver involvement, psychological and physical strategies for pain management, biopsychosocial pain education, intervention structure, and supporting materials.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of a novel psychologist-led PPP is a promising approach to mitigate mental health risks associated with pediatric CPSP and potentially boost postoperative outcomes and family wellbeing. Integrating patient partner feedback ensures that the PPP is relevant, acceptable, and aligned with the needs and preferences of the patients it is designed to serve.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Management in Labor: A Systematic Review

Childbirth is a remarkable, life-changing process and is frequently regarded as an excruciating, physically and emotionally demanding experience that women endure. Labor pain management poses a significant challenge for obstetricians and expectant mothers. Although pharmacological pain management is the gold standard, it still imposes risks on the mother and baby. Recently, non-pharmacological pain management (NPPM) has emerged as a safe, effective option. Six databases were searched for articles published up to 2023 using specific related keywords and defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The extraction and gathering of data was made so as to be categorized into physical, psychological, and complementary NPPM techniques. In light of the enormous development and diversity of NPPM techniques, the present review aims to examine contemporary NPPM knowledge and application, discussing efficacy, advantages, limitations, and potential adverse effects, with a specific focus on women's individual requirements, to strengthen obstetricians' knowledge in guiding decision-making for women in childbirth.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Non-Pharmacological Pain Management and Associated Factors Among Nurses Working in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State Hospitals in Western Ethiopia, 2018

BACKGROUND

Millions of people worldwide are suffering from pain. Non-pharmacological therapy has an important role in the treatment of pain and is recognized as a valuable, simple help to lower the dosage of analgesic drugs needed, decreasing the side effects, reducing drug dependency and reducing health care costs; however, knowledge and attitude of nurses greatly affect the use of non-pharmacological pain management methods.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude towards non-pharmacological pain management and associated factors among nurses working in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State Hospitals, western Ethiopia, 2018.

METHODS

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1st to May 1st, 2017. Two hundred sixteen nurses were selected by using simple random sampling. Data were collected by using a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. Collected data were checked, coded and entered to Epi-Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used.

RESULTS

A total of 209 professional nurses participated in the study, a 96.7% response rate. This study shows that 51.2% (95% CI: 51.1-51.3) of nurses had adequate knowledge and 47% (95% CI: 46.9-47.06) of nurses had a favorable attitude towards non-pharmacological pain management. The findings reveal that level of qualification (AOR=12.2 (3.05, 48.4)), taking educational courses (AOR=7.5 (2.7, 21.24)), nurse to patient ratio (AOR=4.9 (1.64, 14.55)) and work experience were factors significantly associated with knowledge. Findings also show that nurse to patient ratio (AOR=10.36 (2.8, 38.4)), training (AOR=4.6 (1.4, 15.4)) and knowledge of non-pharmacological pain management (AOR=4.3 (1.74, 10.56)) were significantly associated with nurses' attitude to non-pharmacological pain management.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Nurses in Benishangul Gumuz regional state hospitals have unfavorable attitude, but they have relatively adequate knowledge about non-pharmacological pain management. Work experience, level of education, nurse to patient ratio and taking educational courses were associated with nurses' knowledge, and nurse to patient ratio, training, and knowledge of non-pharmacological pain management were associated with nurses' attitude. Therefore, efforts should focus on innovative educational strategies for nurses, training and achieving a 1:6 nurse to patient ratio.

Can improvised somatic dance reduce acute pain for young people in hospital?

Aim This study explores the effects of improvised somatic dance (ISD) on children and young people experiencing acute pain following orthopaedic or cardiac surgery, or post-acquired brain injury. Methods The study involved 25 children and young people and adopted a mixed methods approach. This included a descriptive qualitative approach to help the participants and witnesses verbalise their experience of ISD, and pain scores were assessed before and after ISD using validated pain assessment tools. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. Findings A total of 92% of participants experienced a reduction in pain, with 80% experiencing a >50% reduction. There was an improved sense of well-being for all. Conclusion Although not a replacement for pharmacological treatments, a multidimensional, child-centred and inclusive approach with ISD can be a useful complementary, non-pharmacological method of pain management in children and young people.