Aim: The aim of the survey was to elucidate the significance of postoperative pain therapy for the patient and its influence on the choice of hospital.
Methods: This prospective, anonymous survey of consecutive patients in a general surgical clinic was performed by an independent study nurse.
Results: A total of 161 patients were included; 90% of the surgical patients considered "good pain therapy" as a highly important factor, and three of four patients would admit themselves more likely to a clinic well known for "good pain therapy." If the patients could choose their hospital, factors such as "medical care by the physicians" are most important (rank 1; rank 1 most important, rank 10 most unimportant) followed by quality of "nursing care" (mean rank 2.6) and "good pain therapy" (mean rank 3.6). Older patients (> or = 60 years) preferred a hospital with known "good pain therapy" more often for surgical therapy than younger patients (< 60 years).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that postoperative pain relief is an important factor for the patients' selection of a clinic and is influenced by an age of > or = 60 years.