Patients’ Perspective of Acute Post-operative Pain Management: A Multicentre Survey of Tertiary Hospitals in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Patients' satisfaction and patient-related outcomes (PROs) improve when postoperative pain is managed properly. Understanding the patients' point of view is critical since it aids in the development of improvement methods.

Patients' attitudes and beliefs are crucial because incorrect attitudes and assumptions might obstruct pain relief. As a result, a multicenter survey was conducted in Maharashtra's tertiary institutions to learn about patients' attitudes, beliefs, experiences, and satisfaction levels with acute postoperative pain care. Also, replies were compared to see if the Acute Pain Service (APS) led to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Patients' experiences with postoperative pain management were collected using a 13-item questionnaire adapted from prior studies. The study includes the replies of 179 patients. The results showed the incidence of postoperative pain was 91.6% with 75.5% having moderate to severe pain. Despite this, 91.06% of patients were satisfied. Patients in APS set up had lower incidence of moderate –severe pain (44.23%) and higher satisfaction rates (100%). Although, 35.2% of patients pronounced that postoperative pain management should be done in best possible way, they also had many misconceptions, which were possibly reinforced by counselling done by health providers.  The findings indicate that postoperative pain control is insufficient even with an APS in place. For better pain treatment and results, it is critical to emphasise patient and health-care provider education.