The purpose of this study was to explore the pain intensity and satisfaction in abdominal surgery patients with PCA and to investigate nurses' knowledge. Forty patients were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The patients perceived pain relief after the third day of post-operation. The score of satisfaction with pain management was 3.76. Whether using PCA experience or not, the patient satisfaction achieved a significant difference (p<.05). There were several major uncomfortable symptoms such as itch, dizziness, drowsiness and nausea. The nurses' average knowledge score was 19.53(SD=1.40), and nurses with longer clinical experience received a higher score. According to the results we have established an adequate standardized procedure for pain management with PCA, patient satisfaction, quality of care and improved patient safety.
The purpose of this study was to explore the pain intensity and satisfaction in abdominal surgery patients with PCA and to investigate nurses' knowledge. Forty patients were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The patients perceived pain relief after the third day of post-operation. The score of satisfaction with pain management was 3.76. Whether using PCA experience or not, the patient satisfaction achieved a significant difference (p<.05). There were several major uncomfortable symptoms such as itch, dizziness, drowsiness and nausea. The nurses' average knowledge score was 19.53(SD=1.40), and nurses with longer clinical experience received a higher score. According to the results we have established an adequate standardized procedure for pain management with PCA, patient satisfaction, quality of care and improved patient safety.