The acute pain service nurse practitioner: a case study in the postoperative care of the child with bladder exstrophy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Pain Management
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Effective pain management in children is crucial for recovery and requires interdisciplinary collaboration.
• The Johns Hopkins Children's Center implemented a novel acute pain service model.
• This model is supervised by anesthesiologists and led by pediatric nurse practitioners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and impact of a pediatric nurse practitioner-led acute pain service.
• To highlight the role of advanced practice nurses in managing complex pediatric pain.
• To demonstrate improved outcomes in pediatric pain and sedation management.

Main Methods:

• A pediatric nurse practitioner-based, anesthesiologist-supervised acute pain service model was utilized.
• A case study approach was employed, focusing on a child requiring pain and sedation management post-bladder exstrophy repair.
• The study illustrates the practical application of the acute pain service.

Main Results:

• The acute pain service model facilitated effective pain and sedation management.
• The pediatric nurse practitioner played an integral role in achieving positive outcomes.
• Complex pain management for a challenging surgical case was successfully addressed.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric nurse practitioners are vital in leading acute pain services.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration, under anesthesiologist supervision, enhances pediatric pain management quality.
• This model demonstrates success in improving outcomes for complex pediatric surgical patients.