Postoperative pain management experiences among school-aged children: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pain Management
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Child Health Outcomes

Background:

• Ineffective postoperative pain management in children is a significant clinical issue.
• School-aged children can articulate their pain experiences and preferred management strategies.
• Previous research has predominantly used quantitative methods, neglecting children's perspectives on pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of school-aged children regarding their postoperative pain management.
• To identify children's self-directed pain relief actions and their perceptions of parental and nursing interventions.
• To gather insights for improving postoperative pain management strategies for children.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing in-depth, face-to-face interviews.
• Data collected from 15 school-aged children at a Singapore tertiary hospital.
• Thematic analysis used to analyze interview data.

Main Results:

• Children employed self-directed strategies including distraction, positioning, and medication use.
• Children perceived parents as active participants in pain assessment, medication administration, and providing emotional support.
• Children recognized nurses' roles in medication administration, non-pharmacological interventions, and daily living assistance.

Conclusions:

• Children's postoperative pain management involves active participation from children, parents, and healthcare professionals.
• A combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, particularly distraction, is crucial for effective pain relief.
• Findings support the integration of diverse pain relief strategies and patient education for improved pediatric postoperative care.