Adolescent patients' management of postoperative pain after discharge: A qualitative study

Background Adolescents are typically admitted for a short period of time after inpatient surgery, leaving much of their recovery to occur at home. Pain, and thus pain management, is a major component of recovery at home. Research among pediatric outpatient surgical patients has found that pain experienced in the community setting after discharge is often severe and is related to knowledge deficits resulting in inadequate pain management. However, there is little research on community pain management after inpatient surgery. Aim This study aimed to explore the pain experiences of seven adolescents who underwent inpatient surgery. Design This study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as a methodology. Setting This study took place at a pediatric tertiary care hospital in Canada. Participants 7 adolescents participated, all of whom underwent inpatient surgery with admission between 2-14 days in length. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted 2 to 6 weeks post-discharge. Results Three themes were identified that described their experiences, including managing severe pain at home with minimal preparation, changes in the parent–child relationship, and difficulties returning to school and regular activities. Conclusions Involving adolescents directly in discharge education, particularly with the use of novel interventions and coaching, may improve outcomes.