The association of patients' daily summarized self-rated "real-time" pain scores with physical recovery after major surgery - A repeated measurement design

Abstract

Aim: To determine the associations of patients' documented self-rated pain with self-rated early postoperative physical recovery.

Design: Observational with repeated measures.

Methods: General and orthopaedic inpatients (N = 479) were during the period 2012-2015 screened for pain. Individual daily median pain scores at rest and during activity were based on 4-9 self-ratings on postoperative days 1 and 2, using the Numeric Rating Scale. Nine items reflecting physical recovery from the "Postoperative Recovery Profile" were used in a questionnaire.

Results: Associations between median pain scores on postoperative day 1 and physical recovery (fatigue, sleeping difficulties, bladder function, mobilization, muscle weakness and personal hygiene) the same day were found. Additionally, associations were found between median pain scores on day 1 and physical recovery (fatigue, sleeping difficulties, mobilization and muscle weakness) on day 2.

Keywords: numeric rating scale; nurse; nursing; pain; pain assessment; postoperative care; recovery; repeated measures.