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School-aged children's interpretation of their experience with acute surgical pain
Insights
Children’s postoperative pain intensity and interpretation were studied. Findings reveal insights into children’s fears and concerns regarding pain management after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pain Management
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Postoperative pain in children is a significant concern.
- Understanding children's subjective pain experience is crucial for effective management.
- Current research often focuses on objective measures, with less emphasis on children's interpretations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine postoperative pain intensity in children.
- To investigate the relationship between analgesic administration and perceived pain levels.
- To explore children's affective, cognitive, and sensory interpretations of their pain experiences.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 24 children (7–11 years) undergoing abdominal, orthopedic, or urologic surgery was studied.
- Pain intensity was rated using a visual analog scale on the day after surgery.
- Analgesic administration was reviewed via chart review, and children were interviewed on the third postoperative day.
Main Results:
- Children's pain intensity varied following surgical procedures.
- Interviews provided insights into children's fears and concerns related to postoperative pain.
- Children's interpretations of their pain and its management were explored.
Conclusions:
- Children's subjective experiences and interpretations of postoperative pain are complex.
- Understanding these interpretations is vital for improving pain management strategies in pediatric surgical patients.
- Further research should explore interventions tailored to children's cognitive and affective pain experiences.
Abstract:
This study examined the intensity of pain children experience following surgical procedures, the relationship between analgesic administration patterns and perceived level of pain, and children's affective, cognitive, and sensory interpretation of their experiences with pain. The sample included 24 children between 7 and 11 years of age who were hospitalized after abdominal, orthopedic, or urologic surgery. Children rated the intensity of their pain on a visual analog scale three times on the day after surgery. A chart review examined analgesic administration. On the third day after surgery, children were interviewed about their experiences with pain. The findings provide insight into the content of children's fears and concerns when they have postoperative pain, and how they interpret their responses and the responses of others in the management of their pain experience.