Researchers have unveiled a significant link between a patient’s fears of surgical pain and postoperative medication consumption.
The study highlights the critical role of preoperative psychological assessment in pain management.
According to the findings, the more apprehensive patients are about the pain associated with a surgical procedure, the more likely they are to experience heightened postoperative pain and rely on nonopioid medications for relief.
The study's authors emphasise the importance of identifying and addressing this fear during the preoperative period to enhance patient outcomes.
They write: ‘Patients’ fear of pain increased their postoperative pain levels and, consequently, their analgesic consumption. Effective pain management practices initiated in the preoperative period can positively impact patient outcomes by reducing the need for analgesics.’
Among the 532 patients involved in the study, with a mean age of 48.19 years and 56.8% female, a variety of surgeries were planned, with colorectal surgery being a significant portion at 30.6%.
Before their procedures, all patients completed the Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III.
Key findings revealed that:
- A substantial 86.1% of participants expected to experience postoperative pain
- A staggering 70% reported experiencing moderate to severe postoperative pain
- Notably, a strong positive correlation emerged between patients’ pain levels within the first eight hours post-surgery and their fear of severe and minor pain.
The study uncovered a significant positive link between patients’ total Fear of Pain scale scores and the quantity of diclofenac sodium, the nonopioid analgesic, consumed after surgery (P<0.05).
By identifying and addressing patient fears of pain preoperatively, healthcare professionals can potentially prevent unnecessary analgesic use and safeguard patients from the adverse effects associated with excessive medication consumption.
In a concluding statement, the researchers stressed: ‘Determination of fear of pain and provision of effective pain management will prevent unnecessary use of analgesics and protect patients from analgesia-related side effects. This study sets the stage for a transformative shift in surgical care, prioritising psychological wellbeing as a crucial component of pain management.’
