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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain PPOP
Published on: January 27, 2010
The Effect of Text Messaging on the Postoperative Pain Experience in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery:
Yun Shi1, Qianqiu Wang1, Aihua Liu1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 201102, China, 86 13817941882.
Insights
SMS-based education significantly reduced postoperative pain in pediatric thoracic surgery patients, enhancing their self-efficacy and improving pain management. This digital approach offers a promising solution for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pain Management
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Postoperative pain in pediatric thoracic surgery patients remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Inadequately controlled pain can lead to adverse outcomes and prolonged recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of SMS-based educational support for postoperative pain management.
- To assess the impact of this intervention on pediatric patients' pain experience and self-efficacy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled study involving 100 pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
- Intervention group received SMS text message education; control group received standard oral education.
- Pain intensity, pain interference, and self-efficacy were measured using validated scales.
Main Results:
- The SMS group showed significantly lower moderate-to-severe average pain (18% vs 38%) and higher self-efficacy scores.
- Least pain and average pain intensity scores were significantly lower in the SMS group across three postoperative days.
- General activity was less affected in the SMS group on postoperative days 1 and 2.
Conclusions:
- SMS-based educational intervention effectively improved the postoperative pain experience in pediatric thoracic surgery patients.
- The findings suggest a promising role for digital health interventions in pediatric pain management.
- Further research is recommended to explore clinical outcomes and underlying mechanisms.
Background:
Inadequately controlled postoperative pain continues to pose a significant clinical challenge in pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
Objective:
This randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of SMS-based educational support for postoperative pain management on patients' pain experience.
Methods:
A total of 100 pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgery were enrolled between December 2, 2023, and January 28, 2025. Patients in the intervention group (group 1) received structured postoperative pain management education via SMS text messages, whereas those in the control group (group 2) received standard oral education. Pain intensity and pain-related interference were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory, and self-efficacy was measured using the Pain Self-Efficacy Scale.
Results:
The number of patients with moderate-to-severe average pain was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (n=19, 18% vs n=19, 38%; P=.04), and group 1 had significantly higher patient self-efficacy scores (mean 29.3, SD 7.5 vs mean 25.2, SD 8.7; P=.01). Least pain scores were lower in group 1 compared with group 2 across all 3 consecutive postoperative days (PODs): POD1 (mean 2.8, SD 0.8 vs mean 3.3, SD 0.7; P<.001), POD2 (mean 2.2, SD 0.8 vs mean 2.7, SD 0.5; P<.001), and POD3 (mean 1.7, SD 0.7 vs mean2.2, SD 0.4; P<.001). Similarly, average pain intensity was lower in group 1 compared with group 2 across all 3 consecutive PODs: POD1 (mean 3.7, SD 0.9 vs mean 4.7, SD 0.6; P<.001); POD2 (mean 3.3, SD 0.8 vs mean 3.6, SD 0.5; P=.01); and POD3 (mean 2.5, SD 0.8 vs mean 3.1, SD 0.5; P<.001). General activity was significantly less affected in group 1 on POD 1 (mean 4.3, SD 1.0 vs mean 5.0, SD 1.5; P=.004) and POD 2 (mean 3.1, SD 0.7 vs mean 3.7, SD 1.3; P=.009).
Conclusions:
The use of an SMS-based educational intervention significantly improved the postoperative pain experience of pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Further research is needed to clarify its impact on clinical outcomes and to better understand the mechanisms underlying improved pain management.
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