Intraoperative pain during cesarean delivery: a qualitative concept elicitation study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Obstetrics
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Limited qualitative research exists on patient experiences of intraoperative pain during cesarean delivery (PDCD).
• Understanding patient perspectives is crucial for improving care during cesarean births.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify themes describing patient experiences of PDCD under neuraxial anesthesia.
• To provide patient quotations and summarize experiences for enhanced understanding.

Main Methods:

• Prospective qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with patients who underwent cesarean delivery.
• Interviews conducted 1-3 days postpartum; participants aged 18-50, English-speaking.
• Screening for post-traumatic stress and depression symptoms with PCL-5 and EPDS.

Main Results:

• Ten interviews completed; 7 scheduled and 3 intrapartum cesarean deliveries.
• Nine domains identified: expectations, anesthesia care, staff interactions, obstetric factors, block testing, maternal psychological state, and surgical sensations.
• Four patients referred for psychiatric services due to psychological distress.

Conclusions:

• Findings inform future research on counseling, prevention, and management of PDCD.
• Emphasizes the need to investigate the long-term psychological effects of PDCD.