Patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management at recovery room in Srinagarind Hospital

Abstract

Background: The assessment of patient satisfaction is one of the most significant indicators for the improvement of anesthetic service, especially postoperative pain relieving service. We fully realized its importance. In order to improve its performance and health service, this survey on patient satisfaction has been conducted.

Objective: To study patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management and also other additional outcomes relating to patient’s pain in recovery room.

Design: Both prospective and descriptive studies

Setting: Surgical ward at Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.

Materials & methods: A total of 200 patients have been self-administered questionnaire and interviewed in the survey within 24 hrs after surgery in surgical ward at Srinagarind Hospital.  The level of patient satisfaction (5 scales) was assessed. Other pain related outcomes such as pain scores (NRS; 0-10) and pain relief were also assessed.

Results: The level of patient satisfaction with pain management  was rated as fair and satisfied about 36% and 35% respectively. Forty–six percent of the patients reported pain after surgery. Among these patients,  moderate and severe pain were reported as 36.96% and 29.35% respectively. Regarding the level of pain relief after treatment, we found that 52.94% had moderate pain relief and 23.53% had mild pain relief.

Conclusion: The satisfaction level in terms of pain management was rated as fair and satisfied in 71% of the patients; however it was quite difficult to survey on patient satisfaction at recovery room. As some residual effects from anesthesia and  patients impaired memory in recovery room, we found it very difficult to get the exact results. After this study, we found a number of possible ways to improve our pain service.

Key words: Satisfaction, postoperative pain management, recovery room