Assessment of quality in Post-operative pain management at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background:

Accurate pain assessment is essential for effective pain management, especially post-operatively. Inadequate assessment can hinder proper pain management, impacting patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Objective:

To analyse the quality of pain assessment and management service in hospital

Materials and methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital, enrolling post-operative patients who reported pain. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their pain experiences and management.

Results:

The study population consisted of adults (71.8%) and elderly patients (37.27%), with balanced gender distribution. The most common diagnoses are trauma (18.2%), infections (16.4%), and gallbladder issues (13.6%). Comorbidities such as hypertension (31.8%) and diabetes mellitus (29.54%) were prevalent. Pain management revealed paracetamol as the most frequently administered analgesic (53.6%), with high patient satisfaction rates (67% extremely satisfied). However, non-compliance with the WHO analgesic ladder was observed in 35 cases, primarily involving inappropriate prescribing of strong opioids for mild pain.

Conclusion:

Effective pain management is vital for patient satisfaction. While paracetamol was the most common analgesic used, inappropriate opioid prescribing indicates a need for improved education and adherence to guidelines. Addressing these issues can enhance pain management and overall patient care.