Paediatric post-discharge pain and parent perceptions of support from an Australian nurse practitioner led acute pain...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Pain Management
• Healthcare Delivery

Background:

• Post-operative pain in children is a persistent clinical issue.
• Effective pain management after hospital discharge is crucial for pediatric patients.
• The Nurse Practitioner Acute Pain Service (NpAPS) in Australia utilizes telephone follow-up for post-discharge pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess pediatric post-discharge pain levels.
• To explore parental involvement in their child's pain management.
• To understand parental perceptions of support from the NpAPS.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey design.
• Parents completed the Parents' Postoperative Pain Measure-Short Form (PPPM-SF).
• Parents also completed the factors affecting parents' participation in children's pain management questionnaire (FPMQ).

Main Results:

• High pediatric pain scores were observed, particularly on discharge day and 24 hours post-discharge.
• Parents reported feeling supported by the NpAPS but expressed uncertainty and emotional responses.
• Concerns were raised regarding communication and care coordination during the transition home.

Conclusions:

• Clinically significant pain levels in children post-discharge are a major concern.
• The transition period, with parents assuming pain management responsibility, requires enhanced parental support.
• Addressing parental worry and uncertainty is vital for improving pediatric post-operative care outcomes.