Attitudes, Beliefs, and Expectations of Gynecological Patients toward Postoperative Pain and Its Management(cid:31)
Sasikaan Nimmaanrat MD, MMed (PM)*, Tippawan Liabsuetrakul MD, PhD**, Thida Uakritdathikarn MD*, Wirat Wasinwong MD*
Affiliation : (cid:31) This topic was presented as a poster presentation at the 1st Congress of the Association of Southeast Asian Pain Societies (ASEAP) on December 1st, 2006 in Manila, Philippines * Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla ** Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla
Objective : To examine the attitudes, beliefs, and expectations of gynecological patients regarding postopera-
tive pain and management.
Materials and Methods : A prospective study performed in 112 patients undergoing major gynecological sur-
gery, using a preoperative questionnaire regarding expectations toward postoperative pain and management
and a postoperative questionnaire regarding actual pain experience, attitudes, and beliefs about pain and
management.
Results : The majority expected (92%) and experienced (89%) postoperative pain at moderate to very severe
levels. The median visual analog scales (VAS) of expected and maximum experienced pain were 6.4 and 6.6,
respectively. Ninety-eight percent reported at least moderate pain relief from the analgesics administered.
Ninety-two percent were satisfied with their pain management. A significant number held misconceptions
about postoperative pain and its management.
Conclusion : Patients should be preoperatively advised regarding postoperative pain and management. Mis-
understandings should be corrected to improve the quality and adequacy of postoperative pain management.
Keywords : Attitudes, Beliefs, Expectations, Postoperative pain, Postoperative pain management
