Postoperative pain management at KNH following a Caesarean section
Abstract
1.0 Summary
The study sought the maternal assessment of postoperative pain
management in Kenyatta National hospital following a caesarian section
type of operation. A total of 366 postoperative patients formed the
sample size and were subjected to a structured questionnaire. A data
base was developed using SPSS software, where data analysis was
performed to generate descriptive statistics like percentages, measures
of central tendency, correlation and regression analyses were used to
describe and analyze the data hence facilitating the drawing of
inferences.
1.1 Background
Recent advances in the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms
involved in the transmission and modulation of noxious impulses have
significantly extended the range of assessment tools and treatments
clinicians offer to patients with pain 20. Historically, anaesthetists have
been responsible for the relief of pain in the perioperative period and
have developed skills in percutaneous neural blockade. This expertise,
originally developed for local anaesthetics, was the extended to neulytic
agents. Initially, pain clinics started as nerve-blocking clinics and most
pain management clinics continue to be directed by anaesthetists.
However, with increasing awareness of the complexity of pain
experience, there has been recognition that other health care
professionals have a significant role in management of pain. A
multidisciplinary approach involving the anaesthetists and other health
care professionals is being offered currently.
1.2Introduction
Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotion experience
associated with actual or potential tissue damage. This is according to
the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). One other
description of pain is 'what the patient says hurt'. The former definition
emphasizes that pain is not only a physical sensation but also,
ultimately, a subjective psychological event. It accepts that pain can
occur in spite of negative physical findings and investigations.
Citation
M.Med (Surgery) ThesisSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi
Description
Master of Medicine Thesis