Post-surgical pain management: impact of an acute pain service

Abstract

The Calgary Health Region implemented an Acute Pain Service (APS) over a decade ago in an effort to address pain management concerns in post-surgical patients, however, there has been minimal assessment of its effectiveness. This study found that the APS does make a tangible difference to patient satisfaction, pain intensity and pain frequency in post-surgical inpatients. Patients who received APS care reported adequate levels of patient satisfaction and lower levels of pain intensity while resting and moving compared to the standard post-surgical group (SPS) group. They were also more likely to report no pain or mild pain while resting and moving and report a lower frequency of moderate to severe pain. Although not a research question it was noted that patients who received APS care were more likely to receive an explanation about their pain management compared to the SPS group. These outcomes are all clinically significant when assessing the effectiveness of the APS.