Evaluating patient outcomes in postoperative pain management according to the revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ-R)

Background

In the first 24 h after surgery, it is necessary to evaluate the patient responses to pain, analgesia and patient satisfaction to prevent complications related to the pain management process.

Aim

To evaluate patients' outcomes (pain qualities, side effects of the pain management, pain treatment satisfaction, non-pharmacological pain treatment methods, predictors of pain management satisfaction and percentage of pain relief) according to the Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ-R) in the first 24 h.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

The study sample was comprised of 700 patients, who were surgically treated at the surgical clinics of a university hospital and completed the first postoperative 24 h. The data was collected through the “Patient Information Form” and the “Turkish version of the revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ-R)”.

Results

The medians of the lowest and the worst postoperative pain severity level were 3.0 and 7.0, respectively. Patients experienced severe pain in 60 % of the first postoperative 24 h and reported that 70 % of their pain eventually decreased. A positive and significant correlation was found between pain interference, pain-affected mood/emotions, the severity of pain-related side effects, the least and worst pain severity levels and severe pain, and the percentage of time experienced with severe pain.

Conclusions

Most of the patients experienced severe pain, which restricted their daily life activities and led to negative emotions. Acute postoperative pain may negatively affect patient outcomes and delay postoperative recovery during the early period. Therefore, pain should be managed in the early period to prevent physical and psychological side effects.