Preoperative strategies for managing postoperative pain at home after day surgery

Patients undergoing surgery, whether major or minor, require postoperative care and pain management. Most of the postoperative care for day surgery patients continues at home. The amount of care they will need, who will care for them, and the pain management strategies needed are important issues to address before surgery. The preoperative assessment nurse provides education and practical advice about pain management at home. Then, on the day of surgery, the day surgery staff reinforces written and verbal home care instructions with the patients and their home caregivers.