Educational Intervention to Strengthen Pediatric Postoperative Pain Management: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Pain Management
• Clinical Education

Background:

• Pediatric postoperative pain remains inadequately managed.
• Effective strategies are crucial for improving children's recovery and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on nurses' knowledge and pediatric postoperative pain management.
• To assess changes in pain assessment practices and patient-reported pain levels.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in Norwegian postanesthesia care units.
• Nurses received an educational intervention including a training day, supervision, and reminders.
• Data collected via surveys, clinical observations, and child interviews at three time points.

Main Results:

• While knowledge improved in both intervention and control groups, no significant difference was found between them.
• The intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in the use of pain assessment tools and a reduction in moderate-to-severe pain.
• Nurses' knowledge scores (PNKAS-N) improved from baseline to follow-up in the intervention group.

Conclusions:

• The educational intervention did not yield statistically significant differences in pediatric postoperative pain management between groups.
• Positive changes in nurses' knowledge and clinical practice were observed in both groups.
• Further research is needed to identify key variables for enhancing pediatric postoperative pain management.