Patient expectations and anticipated responses to postsurgical pain

This descriptive study investigated the factors that influenced the intended pain management behaviors of a sample of 186 patients awaiting major surgical procedures. Pain management behaviors were defined as those related to reporting of postsurgical pain and seeking postsurgical pain management. Less than 44% of respondents specified the type of sensation, duration, similarity to previous pain, and source of pain as factors affecting the decision to seek help for pain. Only 9% expected complete relief with appropriate treatment, and 19% of respondents would wait for treatment to be given or offered, if pain returned following treatment. Moreover, less than 5% of respondents identified physicians or nurses as ways "by which you have learned about pain control." These findings underscore the need for comprehensive, individualized pain education protocols throughout the period of care delivery. Special emphasis should be placed on patient empowerment and decision making to seek appropriate pain management.