The effectiveness of a standardized educational program for children using patient-controlled analgesia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Pain Management
• Patient Education

Background:

• Spinal fusion surgery in children can lead to severe postoperative pain.
• Effective pain management is crucial for pediatric surgical recovery.
• Patient education may influence pain perception and anxiety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of routine preoperative education versus a standardized educational program (SEP) for pediatric patients undergoing spinal fusion.
• To assess the impact of preoperative education on postoperative pain and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A two-group, phase-lag design was employed.
• The study included 93 children aged 8-18 years at a tertiary pediatric hospital.
• Pain was assessed using the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool and Child Pain Scale; satisfaction was measured via the Post-PCA Satisfaction Interview.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in pain scores or PCA usage were found between the routine education and SEP groups.
• Children and parents reported that the SEP provided valuable information and reduced concerns about opioid use, overdose, and pain relief adequacy.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) through standardized preoperative education did not significantly reduce severe postoperative pain in children undergoing spinal fusion.
• The SEP effectively addressed patient and parent concerns regarding pain medication.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the SEP's potential in other pediatric populations.