Examining postoperative care: Predictors of perceived pain relief and satisfaction with pain management after orthopedic surgeries

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines predictors of postoperative pain relief and patient satisfaction among orthopedic patients in Jordan, emphasizing demographic and clinical factors, patient involvement in pain management, Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) utilization, and non-pharmacological pain relief techniques.

Methods

This observational, predictive study included 300 orthopedic surgery patients. Pain intensity was measured 24 h post-surgery, and patients completed the Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ-R). Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, and regression models, identified significant predictors of perceived pain relief and satisfaction with pain management.

Results

Patients reported high pain levels early post-surgery, with an average peak pain intensity of 8.52/10. Combined treatments provided an average pain relief score of 81.9%, and satisfaction with pain management averaged 7.86. Higher satisfaction was associated with PCA use, non-pharmacological methods, and information on pain management options. Key predictors of pain relief included surgery type, pain management information availability, the impact of opioid side effects, and pain's impact on activities, sleep, and emotional well-being. Satisfaction was also predicted by information on pain treatment, opioid side effects, and the total impact of pain.

Conclusion

Enhanced patient education, active involvement in care, individualized non-pharmacological pain relief methods, and PCA use improve perceived pain relief and satisfaction with pain management. This study emphasizes the importance of personalized, multimodal pain management strategies to improve postoperative care and enhance recovery.