Children's experiences of their postoperative pain management: a qualitative systematic review.

Abstract

Review Objective The objective of this systematic review is to synthesise the best available evidence on children’s experiences of the management of their postoperative pain at the hospital or home within a fortnight after a surgical procedure. Review question What are children’s experiences of the management of their postoperative pain at home and/or in the hospital within a fortnight after a surgical procedure? Inclusion Criteria Types of participants The review will consider publications that include the postoperative management of children aged between four to 18 years old,55 who have undergone surgery in the hospital and stayed in surgical, day surgery wards or ambulatory care units. The age group of four to 18 years was chosen as children younger than four have different linguistic abilities and have postoperative needs, which are beyond the scope of this systematic review. Phenomena of interest The review will consider studies that include the following phenomena of interest: children’s experiences in the management of their own postoperative pain. Context Context may include, but is not limited to, paediatric surgical wards in acute care hospital settings or in home settings within half a month after the surgery. Outcomes of interest The outcomes of interest include, but are not restricted to the following: • Strategies used by children for the management of their own post-operative pain. • Strategies used by children’s parents and nurses for the management of children’s post-operative pain based on children’s experiences. • Needs or suggestions provided by children for better management of their post-operative pain.