A Meta-Synthesis of Children's Experiences of Postoperative Pain Management

Background: Ineffective management of postoperative pain in children has been reported widely. To improve the effectiveness of postoperative pain management for children, it was necessary to conduct a systematic review to better understand the current knowledge of children's experiences of their postoperative pain management. Aims: The aim of this review was to update and synthesize current qualitative research of postoperative pain management based on children's experiences. Methods: Qualitative studies published between January 1990 and July 2014 were searched from the electronic databases of CINAHL, MEDLINE, MedNar, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science. A broad range of search keywords and a three-step search strategy were used. Meta-syntheses were used to summarize the findings from the included studies. Results: Nine qualitative studies were included. Three meta-syntheses from 22 categories based on 72 findings were generated: (a) Children experienced various negative emotions related to postoperative pain, and could assess and express their pain but need their parents as advocates; (b) apart from pain medication, various nonpharmacological strategies to relieve children's postoperative pain were employed by children, parents, and nurses; and (c) suggestions from children for their parents and nurses to better relieve postoperative pain. Linking Evidence to Action: This review provided preliminary support for increasing the provision of information and education for children and their parents about postoperative conditions, pain, and pain relief strategies. Nurses should also be encouraged to employ more nonpharmacological pain-relieving strategies and build rapport with children and their parents. Future intervention studies are needed to improve children's postoperative experiences.