An Evaluation Of Acute Pain Management On Postoperative Patients In Surgical, Obstetrics And Private Wing Wards In Kenyatta National Hospital (knh)

Abstract

Despite major advances in the knowledge and development of efficient techniques for pain control, many patients still suffer from modest to severe pain following surgery. Indeed,a pain audit conducted at KNH (2006) revealed that up to 13% of the postsurgical patients complained of severe acute pain. Acute postoperative pain is known to cause delayed mobilization of surgical patients resulting to prolonged hospital stay and impacting negatively on the national economy. Advantages of effective post-operative pain management include patient’s comfort hence satisfaction, earlier mobilization, fewer cardiac and pulmonary complications, reduced risk of There is need to carry out a study to assess the magnitude of postoperative pain, the analgesics in use and their effectiveness, and the level of patient satisfaction with the pain-care given at Kenyatta National hospital. This study was carried out to assess the above parameters. Findings from this study will be used to inform and influence acute pain management in the institution. Objectives • To determine the mode of analgesia used perioperatively at KNH • To determine effectiveness of pain control achieved on postoperative patients • To assess patients’ satisfaction with pain care given post operatively Methods: Patients above 15 years of age from the respective units were recruited after informed consent was obtained. A standardized questionnaire was used to record patient’s details which included sociodemographic, and past/present medical details. Patients were followed into the operating room and the type of anaesthesia used was noted plus intraoperative analgesia administered. In the postoperative care unit (PACU),pain control achieved was noted attime zero, 30min and 60min post-surgery. In the wards patients were followed up on the 1st and 2nd postoperative days and pain control achieved and patient’s satisfaction to services offered were noted. Acute pain assessment was done using the verbal rating scale.