(607) An Instrument to Assess Pain and Pain Management During Labor and Delivery

Authors: Thomas Elliott, Mary Godfrey, Colleen Renier, Jeanette Palcher, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System Aim of Investigation: To create an instrument to assess pain and the quality of pain management during obstetrical labor and delivery. Methods: Instrument development was accomplished by these steps: 1. Define purpose; 2. Formulate conceptual framework; 3. Determine specific objectives; 4. Review literature; 5. Study other instruments including the APS Patient Survey questions; 6. Involve expert consultants; 7. Conduct focus groups; 8. Pilot test instrument; 9. Revise instrument; and 10. Conduct content validation. Results: No instruments were found that could meet our purpose and objectives. Most APS Patient Survey questions were not appropriate for obstetrical patients and pain management during labor and delivery. Through consensus of expert practitioners and patient focus groups, an instrument was designed; a final version evolved following pilot testing and content validation. The final instrument was tested in 101 postpartum women 24 hours after delivery. Conclusions: An instrument to assess pain and the quality of pain management during obstetrical labor and delivery has been designed and tested in a cohort of women [N = 101]. The methods used may be helpful to other investigators who want to design and validate similar instruments. A description of the patient's pain experience and pain management during labor and delivery will be presented. This instrument may be useful to other investigators studying pain and pain management in obstetrical populations. Acknowledgments: Supported by S C Health System, Division of Education and Research.