The Effects of Implementing Clinical Practice Guidelines for Acute Postoperative Pain Management in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Anesthesiology Department, Inburi Hospital

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study aims to compare postoperative pain levels and patient satisfaction following the implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for acute pain management in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), developed by the researcher. A total of 60 postoperative patients admitted to the PACU were enrolled and assigned to either an intervention group, which received nursing care based on the CPGs, or a control group, which received standard postoperative pain management. The CPGs, validated with a content validity index of 0.92. Seven nurse anesthetists participated in guideline implementation. Data collection tools included a demographic data form, a pain assessment scale, a patient satisfaction questionnaire on postoperative pain management (Cronbach's alpha = 0.98), and a guideline user satisfaction form (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results showed that the intervention group reported significantly lower mean pain scores compared to the control group (M = 2.73, SD = 2.64 vs. M = 3.83, SD = 1.11; p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction scores were also significantly higher in the intervention group (M = 3.92, SD = 0.34) compared to the control group (M = 3.13, SD = 1.18; p < 0.01). Nurse anesthetists reported high satisfaction with the use of the guidelines (M = 4.83, SD = 0.38).

In conclusion, the implementation of the researcher-developed clinical practice guidelines in the PACU significantly improved pain outcomes and patient satisfaction. These findings support the continued application and institutionalization of the guidelines to ensure effective pain management in the PACU.