Post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting: qualitative perspectives from telephone interviews

Previous studies on post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting tend to be quantitative in method and focus on in-patient or day case surgery. The objectives of this study carried out in one specialist eye hospital in England were to consider post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting from a qualitative perspective. Fifty-five patients undergoing general anaesthetic short-stay ophthalmic surgery (orbital hydroxyapatite implantation) consented to participate in telephone interviews 8 days post-surgery. The interviews lasted between 20 and 60 minutes. Data were analysed thematically and offer insight into varying experiences of pain, nausea and vomiting in hospital, on discharge and at home. Results indicate that not all patients were discharged home in optimum condition. The needs of post-operative short-stay patients should come before financial imperatives to vacate beds. Patient education and information giving is discussed in the light of the findings.