Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Nursing

Advisor

Donna Bailey

Abstract

More than 2.4 million children undergo surgery annually in the United States and many experience postoperative pain. Poor pain management causes negative outcomes to both the individual and society. Increased rates of prescription drug misuse and rising death rates for adolescents from drug overdoses underscore the need for improvements in pain management. However, there is a lack of research, limited guidelines, and significant provider variability in managing adolescents’ acute postoperative pain. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the topic of acute postoperative pain management for adolescents through the lens of registered nurses (RNs). Nurses play an essential role in pain management and can provide valuable insight on this topic. Kolcaba’s comfort theory provided the theoretical basis for this study. This mid-range nursing theory’s holistic approach was well suited to address the overarching research question of how RNs describe the postoperative pain management needs of adolescents. Data were collected from 13 RNs licensed in the United States via individual semistructured e-interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, and their transcripts were analyzed and manually coded to identify themes and draw conclusions. The 4 themes were (a) Pain is a multifaceted phenomenon, (b) Adolescents have unique healthcare needs, (c) Pain management is an evolving field, and (d) Nursing interventions can enhance comfort. Recommendations for future research, practice changes, and guideline development are provided based on these study findings. By improving postoperative pain management for adolescents’ nurses and other health care providers can promote positive social change at multiple levels from the individual patient to society as a whole.

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