Surgical Patients' Attitudes, Norms, and Behaviors Regarding Pain

The study purpose was to examine the attitudes, norms, and behaviors of surgical patients of different ethnic/cultural backgrounds regarding pain and pain management. The study was a descriptive qualitative study guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviors and the Theory of Transcultural Nursing. The sample consisted of 12 postoperative patients on a surgical observation unit within 48 hours of surgery. The results indicated the majority of patients expected to feel pain after surgery and wanted pain to be treated completely. However, overall, pain indicates that something is wrong. Patients expect nurses to assess their pain frequently, view the pain site, and to act promptly to relieve pain, otherwise they feel ignored. Patients had limited knowledge about the pharmacological treatments, and prefer to combine medications with non-pharmacologic and complementary therapies. The clinical implications indicate the expectation of a comprehensive postoperative pain assessment, and education regarding pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and complementary pain treatments.