Open AccessExperience and Management of the Adverse Effects of Analgesics After Surgery: A Pediatric Patient Perspective
Author(s) -
Mandy M J Li,
Cynthia L. Larche,
Kelsey Vickers,
Marie Vigouroux,
Pablo Ingelmo,
Richard Hovey,
Catherine Ferland
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of patient experience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2374-3743
pISSN - 2374-3735
DOI - 10.1177/23743735221092632
Subject(s) - medicine , analgesic , adverse effect , constipation , anesthesia , patient satisfaction , pediatric surgery , physical therapy , surgery
After surgery, the adverse effects (AEs) of analgesics are common and critical factors influencing the postoperative experience of pediatric patients. Inadequate management of AEs has been found to prolong hospital stay, increase readmission rates and decrease satisfaction with care. The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to better understand the AEs of analgesics from the perspective of adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis after spinal surgery. A total of 7 patients participated in the study. Semistructured interviews were conducted at discharge and 1 week after discharge. Transcribed data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and themes were identified. Overall, participants most frequently reported gastrointestinal and cognitive AEs, with constipation being the most persistent and bothersome. The pediatric participants used a combination of 3 strategies to mitigate analgesic AEs, namely pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and reduction of analgesic intake. Participants demonstrated a lack of understanding of AEs and involvement in their own care. Future studies should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of nonpharmacological strategies in managing analgesic AEs for pediatric patients after surgery.