Chronic post thoracotomy pain experience, and pain management among patients after discharge: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to investigate chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPTP) and pain management among patients having had thoracotomy after discharge. The 60 samples were purposively selected from patients with open thoracotomy who had CPTP for at least 3 months after being discharged from the Songklanagarind Hospital from June 2020 to May 2021. Data were collected using interviews with a set of questionnaires including 1) the Demographic and Health-related Data Questionnaire, 2) the CPTP Experience Questionnaire, and 3) the Chronic Pain Management Methods Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

The results were as follows: the location of chronic pain was at an incision wound site. Pain characteristics were commonly described as sharp (71.7%), burning or electrical shock (25.0%), and tingling (23.3%). The pain intensity was at a mild level (Mdn = 3.0, IQR = 2.0). Most patients had no interference with daily life. Most of the patients managed their CPTP by using non-pharmacological methods (97.0%). The commonly used pain management methods included 1) caring for surgical wounds by reducing or not using muscle force at the surgical wound site, 2) using distraction, receiving information and encouragement, and 3) adjusting thought and performing religious activities. They gave the reasons that they relax the body and mind and relieve pain. Moreover, most patients evaluated the effectiveness of these pain management methods at high to moderate levels.

The results of this study suggest that nurses should provide knowledge about CPTP, pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management for pain relief to patients prior to hospital discharge.