[Preoperative pain training. No influence on postoperative pain perception in patients undergoing cardiac surgery].
BACKGROUND
The present research was performed to investigate the influence of preoperative information on pain given by the nursing staff on postoperative pain perception in patients.


METHODS
A randomized controlled interventional study was conducted in 93 patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the University Hospital Erlangen. One day before the surgery all participants were evaluated using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, patients of the treatment group were additionally trained by a member of the nursing staff in pain behaviour. After discharge from the intensive care unit the pain experience of the patients was evaluated using standardized questionnaires.


RESULTS
Of the 93 patients, 73 finished the study protocol and were analyzed. The pain experience was not significantly different between the two study groups. Patients with increased levels of neuroticism (characterized by emotional lability) regardless of study group more frequently reported pain values above 3/10.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant modulation of postoperative pain experience was achieved by preoperative information on pain. However, it cannot be ruled out that this intervention, particularly in view of the reduction in anxiety, may form a significant element of perioperative pain management.
Parthum
A
A
Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen.
Weinzierl
A
A
Grässel
E
E
Koppert
W
W
D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010465:Perception; D010551:Personality; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000700:Analgesics