Translating best practices in nondrug postoperative pain management

The research-to-practice gap is at the heart of the problem in the underuse of nondrug complementary methods to manage postoperative pain.

To show how the six steps of the Collaborative Research Utilization (CRU) model can be used to translate research into practice, using an example of nondrug pain management protocols.

The CRU model was used to translate empirically tested nondrug interventions for surgical pain management enhancement into cost-effective, easy-to-use, best-practice nursing interventions, using tailored patient teaching.

The preliminary findings of the substudy in the context of the CRU model are reported.

The CRU model was successful in changing patients' knowledge, attitudes, and use of nondrug interventions for pain management. Further research is needed in heterogeneous populations. Organization receptivity to research and a well-integrated computerized documentation system for cueing clinicians' pain management practices are key for effectiveness of change.