Effect Of Two Pain Relieving Strategies on Postoperative Pain Experience among Patients With Open Heart Surgery

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of two pam reli ving strategies (preoperative instruction versus preoperative instruction combined with relaxation training) on reducing postoperative pain experience among patients with open heart surgery. A convenience sample of90 patients was recruited to this study. Patients were divided randomly into three equal groups, 30 patients each. The study group I was subjected to pain relieving method (a), the study group II exposed to method (b), and the control group received the routine hospital preparation only. Data were collected utilizing: modified Arabic version of McGill Pain Questionnaire (1975), Pain Physical Index observational sheet, and the background data sheet. To achieve the aim of the study seven research hypotheses were formulated. The results of the study supported nearly all the stated hypotheses as the study group II wh<;> subjected to preoperative instruction combined with slow deep breathing relaxation training demonstrated the lowest (a) totalpain scores, (b) pain physical index total scores and (c) the need for analgesic to be given post operatively as compared to both patients in the study group I and the control group. F-ratio =69. 67:p <0.01, 2x2 1=69.15 p< 0.01, and 2 x2 1= 30.63. p<0.01 respectively. Thus the study imply that providing preoperative instruction combined with relaxation training may be an effective nursing intervention in reducing patients' postoperative pain and decreases

number of pain signs and symptoms as well decreasing need for analgesic following open heart surgery. Ideas for further research were generated. Replication of the study on a larger probability sample is recommended to achieve generalizabilty of results.