Authors: (including presenting author): :
Fu WM(1) , Lam WY(1) , Lee WS(1) , Leung KP(1) , Ng HY(1) , Wong HY(1) , Tang HT(1)
Affiliation: :
Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department,Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (1)
Introduction: :
Post-operative acute pain is the most common adverse event after Orthopaedic surgery. It can contribute to decrease in patient's well-being, delay rehabilitation and increase length of stay in hospital (Strassel et al., 2004). With emerging technologies and increased analgesics options, patients should have greater satisfaction with well-managed post-operative pain. However, studies have shown that patient pain were still undermanaged (Apfelbaum, Chen, Mehta, & Gan, 2003). Patient knowledge deficit of analgesics is the primary reason leading to undermanagement of pain (Timmerman, et al. 2014). Patient empowered with knowledge of analgesics not only increase patient independency, it could also improve pain control (Pate, et al. 2019).
Objectives: :
The program was to empower patient with knowledge of oral analgesics. An education kit was designed based on the principle of people-centered care. By using the education kits and nursing interaction, the program aims to improve post-operative pain control.
Methodology: :
In December 2018, a patient empowerment program was carried out on selected patients having operation at Orthopaedic and Traumatology department in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. A set of education kit was developed based on literature research and consisted of leaflet and video, allowing patients to revisit the education material by QR code on demand. Afterwards, nursing interactions including discussion with patient about the effect of analgesics, reinforcement on the use of analgesic and ongoing pain assessment were performed. Patients were asked to evaluate their pain level regularly and encouraged to ask for analgesics when needed.
Result & Outcome: :
Results
A self-construct four-point scale questionnaire was employed for program evaluation. From 3rd December 2018 to 30th December 2018, there were 40 cases recruited as pilot study. All patients agreed that the program had positive impact on improving their knowledge in pain control. 95% of them agreed the education materials cleared up their doubts on analgesics and became more willing to use prescribed analgesics. The result showed that patient's pain level had decreased on postoperative day 2 and they were all satisfied with the pain management under this program.
Discussion and Conclusion
The study found that patients are more willing to use prescribed analgesic when they are equipped with sufficient knowledge. Knowledge delivery and education were found essentials for patients, to empower and motivate them to use analgesics for pain management. Thus, post-operative pain control can be managed by patient proactively and efficiently.
In clinical implication, with better pain management, patients could have less complications, recover faster and be discharged earlier.
The success of the pilot study prompts the workgroup to continue our professional service and benefit more patients. An enhanced education kit is prepared and is scheduled to implement in Q2 2020. We believe that without committed staff and teamwork, even a comprehensive tool will not get an ideal result.
