Coronary artery bypass patients' perceptions of acute postoperative pain

Reports consistently state that hospitalized patients' pain is undermanaged and is caused by healthcare professional's failure to assess pain adequately and provide relief. The purpose of this study was to explore patients' expectations and perceptions of their acute postoperative pain to improve understanding and management. The sample consisted of 20 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Pain intensity was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively utilizing a 10-point numerical rating scale. Descriptive questions assessed beliefs, expectations, and perceptions about the pain experience. Results suggest that, although most patients experienced moderate-to-severe pain intensity, they also experienced periods of no pain, used little pain medication, and reported satisfaction with pain relief. Patients reported undesired side effects from pain medication, beliefs that pain served a purpose in recovery, fears of addiction, and expectations that pain would or should be present. The recommendation simply to provide more pain medication may not be appropriate or desirable for all patients.