Abstract:
Ineffective pain management can inhibit recovery, prolong hospitalization, and contribute to the increased cost of health care. Pre-operative education about pain management options may improve perceived post-operative pain for total joint arthroplasty patients. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in total joint arthroplasty patients' perceptions of post-operative pain with varying pre-operative instructional approaches. Acute Pain Management Guidelines (1992) will be used as the organizing framework for this quasi-experimental study.The study will be conducted on an orthopedic unit of a Mid-west hospital over a 3 month period. The sample will include 48 total hip arthroplasty patients with equal numbers in the control and experimental groups. Patients will be given an invitation to participate and an information letter outlining the study. Participation is voluntary and patients can withdraw at anytime. Data will remain anonymous. Post-operative pain perception will be measured by using a 0-10 pain intensity Visual Analog Scale (VAS).This study is significant because ineffective pain management can lead to post-operative complications. Results of this study can be used to develop pre-operative pain management education programs that will improve patient outcomes.